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Related terms:
bicarbonate
calcium carbonate
carbonate
Pharmacologic Substance
lithium carbonate
lith·i·um car·bon·ate
Brand Names:
Lithobid
Effect:
Norepinephrine Activity Alteration; Serotonin Activity Alteration
May Treat:
Bipolar Disorder; Conduct Disorder; Depressive Disorder; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to lithium carbonate:
  • A lithium salt, classified as a mood-stabilizing agent. Lithium ion alters the metabolism of BIOGENIC MONOAMINES in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, and affects multiple neurotransmission systems.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • The carbonate salt of lithium, a soft alkali metal, with antimanic and hematopoietic activities. Lithium interferes with transmembrane sodium exchange in nerve cells by affecting sodium, potassium-stimulated adenosine triphosphatase (Na+, K+-ATPase); alters the release of neurotransmitters; affects cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations; and blocks inositol metabolism resulting in depletion of cellular inositol and inhibition of phospholipase C-mediated signal transduction. The exact mechanism through which lithium exerts its mood-stabilizing effect has not been established. In addition, lithium stimulates granulocytopoiesis and appears to increase the level of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells by stimulating the release of hematopoietic cytokines and/or directly acting on hematopoietic stem cells.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

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