Eskalith-CR (Oral)
Generic name:lithium (oral route) [ LITH-ee-um ]
Drug class:Antimanic agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 24, 2022.
Lithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy .
Oral route(Solution)Lithium ToxicityLithium toxicity is closely related to serum lithium levels, and can occur at doses close to therapeutic levels. Facilities for prompt and accurate serum lithium determinations should be available before initiating therapy .
The Eskalith-CR brand name has been discontinued in the U.S. If generic versions of this product have been approved by the FDA, there may be generic equivalents available.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Eskalith
- Eskalith-CR
- Lithobid
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Capsule
- Tablet
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antimanic
Uses for Eskalith-CR
Lithium is used to treat mania that is part of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). It is also used on a daily basis to reduce the frequency and severity of manic episodes. Manic-depressive patients experience severe mood changes, ranging from an excited or manic state (eg, unusual anger or irritability or a false sense of well-being) to depression or sadness.
It is not known how lithium works to stabilize a person's mood. However, it does act on the central nervous system. It helps you to have more control over your emotions and helps you cope better with the problems of living.
It is important that you and your family understand all the effects of this medicine. These effects depend on your individual condition and response and the amount of lithium you use. You must also know when to contact your doctor if there are problems with using the medicine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using Eskalith-CR
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lithium extended-release tablets in children younger than 12 years of age or lithium capsules, solution, and tablets in children younger than 7 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the
