Eskalith

Q: What drug class is Eskalith?

<p>Eskalith is a drug that is used to treat <a href="https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/bipolar-disorder">bipolar disorder</a>.</p>

Bipolar Disorder, Acute Coryza, Bipolar Disorder

Treatment

1 Active Study for Eskalith

Treatment for

Bipolar Disorder

What is Eskalith

Lithium carbonateThe Generic name of this drug

Treatment SummaryLithium is a medication used to treat manic episodes, a symptom of bipolar disorder. While it has been used for centuries, the exact way it works is still unknown. It is a powerful drug and must be closely monitored to ensure that the dose is within a safe range, as too much can cause adverse effects.

Eskalithis the brand name

Eskalith Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Eskalith

Lithium carbonate

1970

174

Effectiveness

How Eskalith Affects PatientsThe exact way that lithium works is unknown, but it is thought to reduce symptoms of mental illness by inhibiting certain enzymes or affecting the activity of the chemical glutamate in the brain.

How Eskalith works in the bodyThe exact way lithium works in the body is not well understood. However, one theory suggests that it works by limiting the amount of inositol, a chemical found in cells, in the body. It is thought to do this by blocking an enzyme called inositol monophosphatase and another enzyme called inositol polyphosphatase. Lithium also affects a third enzyme called glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). This enzyme helps control the activity of other enzymes by modifying their structure with a process called phosphorylation. Lithium can also stop GSK-3 from working by blocking the

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Eskalith is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage diverges, depending on the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, extended release - Oral) outlined in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Bipolar Disorder

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

, Tablet, extended release, Oral, Tablet, extended release - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Tablet, film coated, extended release, Tablet, film coated, extended release - Oral, Solution, Solution - Oral

Acute Coryza

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

Bipolar Disorder

, 300.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 600.0 mg, 450.0 mg, 400.0 mg, 250.0 mg, 8.0 meq/mL

Warnings

Eskalith Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Lithium Carbonate may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Eskalith.

Common Eskalith Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Azelastine

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Ethanol

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.

Neomycin

Major

The risk or severity of nephrotoxicity can be increased when Lithium carbonate is combined with Neomycin.

Oliceridine

Major

The risk or severity of hypotension, sedation, death, somnolence, and respiratory depression can be increased when Lithium carbonate is combined with Oliceridine.

Tenofovir

Major

Lithium carbonate may increase the nephrotoxic activities of Tenofovir.

Eskalith Toxicity & Overdose RiskIn rats, the lowest toxic dose of lithium carbonate has been found to be 525mg/kg when taken orally and more than 2.17mg/L when inhaled over a 4 hour period. It is unclear if lithium carbonate can cause cancer, changes in genes, or fertility issues. However, studies in rats and mice suggest that taking lithium carbonate daily may have negative effects on male reproductive organs, sperm production, and testosterone levels. Evidence is conflicting regarding the effects of taking lithium during the first trimester of pregnancy. Animal studies have shown it may be harmful to the fetus and fertility. If a pregnant woman

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Eskalith Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Eskalith?

Two active studies are assessing the potential of Eskalith in providing relief for Acute Coryza.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Bipolar Disorder

0 Actively Recruiting

Bipolar Disorder

0 Actively Recruiting

Acute Coryza

1 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable

Eskalith Reviews: What are patients saying about Eskalith?

5Patient Review

5/31/2013

Eskalith for Manic-Depression

I've been taking lithium for awhile now and I've noticed that it's really evened out my mood swings. I'm generally much happier. However, there are some side effects like drowsiness, increased urination, and thirst but they're manageable considering how much better I feel overall.

5Patient Review

6/18/2011

Eskalith for Additional Medications to Treat Depression

My doctor raised my dosage from 450mg to 900mg and, while I experienced some severe digestive issues, it did help keep my episodes under control.

5Patient Review

11/12/2011

Eskalith for Bipolar Disorder in Remission

I'm very happy with the effects of this medication so far. It's only been two weeks, but I already feel a lot more stable and focused. The side effects have been minimal, which is great. Thankful to have found a medication that works for me!

5Patient Review

1/31/2011

Eskalith for Bipolar Disorder in Remission

5Patient Review

5/9/2016

Eskalith for Bipolar Depression

I was on lithium for eighteen years to treat my bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, it caused my kidneys to fail. I spent three years on dialysis before finally receiving a kidney transplant. If you're considering taking this medication, please be aware of the rare but possible side effect of kidney failure.

View All Reviews

Patient Q&A Section about eskalith

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Eskalith the same as lithium?

"Eskalith is the brand name for regular immediate release lithium carbonate. It is supplied in 300 mg capsules. Eskalith CR is a slow release version of lithium carbonate. It is supplied in 450 mg scored, breakable tablets."

Answered by AI

Is Eskalith a mood stabilizer?

"The mechanism by which lithium exerts its therapeutic effect in stabilizing mood is unknown. However, it is postulated to involve normalization of neurotransmitter function. This may be accomplished through regulation of inositol monophosphate metabolism, neurotransmitter receptor sensitivity, or second messenger function. In addition, lithium inhibits sodium transport in nerve and muscle cells and alters serotonin function. Lithium also has a direct inhibitory effect on adenosine triphosphatase activity. All of these mechanisms are postulated to be involved in its therapeutic effect."

Answered by AI

What is Eskalith prescribed for?

"ESKALITH is a medication used to treat manic episodes of manic-depressive illness. Maintenance therapy with ESKALITH can help prevent or reduce the intensity of future episodes in people with a history of mania."

Answered by AI