ANALYSIS OF THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF LITHIUM IN MAN

The single and multiple dose pharmacokinetics of Li in 7 healthy volunteers was analyzed. A solution of LiCl, used to treat manic-depressive disease, was administered in single dose experiments, and the same solution and a sustained release preparation were employed in multiple dose experiments, which were conducted at steady state. A fixed dose of 24 mmol was used in the single dose experiments. In the subsequent multiple dose experiments in the same subjects, the same dose was administered once daily for 1 wk. Distinct 2-compartment characteristics were found with a mean disposition rate constant (.beta.) of 0.035/h .+-. 0.010 SD, corresponding to a mean biological half-life of .apprx. 19.8 h. The mean half-time of the distributory .alpha.-phase was .apprxeq. 1.15 h. The absorption of Li from an orally administered solution occurred with a half-time of .apprx. 0.15 h in the single dose experiments. The apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment (Vc) was 0.307 l/kg .+-. 0.046 SD, < 1/2 that of Vde at equilibrium. Vd.beta. (V darea) was 0.829 l/kg .+-. 0.184 SD and mean total body clearance was 27.6 ml/kg per h .+-. 4.7 SD.