Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Protocol for Safe Lithiation Reactions Using Organolithium Reagents
Published on: November 12, 2016
The use of lithium carbonate in the preparation for definitive therapy in hyperthyroid patients
Fulya Akin1, Guzin Fidan Yaylali, Mehmet Bastemir
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, School of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey. fulyaendo@yahoo.com.tr
Objective:
The aim of this study was to elucidate the effectiveness of lithium carbonate prior to thyroidectomy or radioiodide therapy in patients with thyrotoxicosis.
Subjects And Methods:
Lithium carbonate was used as preoperative preparation or radioiodide therapy in 5 patients with Graves' disease and in 1 patient with toxic multinodular goiter because of side effects of thionamide in 5 patients and ineffectiveness of antithyroid medication in the remaining patient.
Results:
All 6 patients had a benign course following treatment without thyroid storm. No adverse effects or complications of lithium carbonate were observed.
Conclusion:
This report shows that lithium carbonate can be safely used preoperatively or prior to radioiodide therapy in circumstances where antithyroid medications are contraindicated and are ineffective in obtaining an euthyroid status.
Related Concept Videos
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
