Effect of acute alcohol consumption on lithium kinetics

Lithium carbonate is used in several psychiatric disorders in the context of alcohol abuse. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study the single-dose kinetics of lithium were followed after alcohol or placebo. Lithium carbonate capsules were taken by mouth by 10 healthy young men with alcohol on one occasion and with placebo on a separate occasion (at least 7 days apart). Lithium concentrations were determined in serum and urine samples for 24 hours after dosing and served as the basis for kinetic analysis. Acute alcohol had no effect on lithium absorption, elimination, distribution, or clearance. Alcohol did, however, increase the peak serum lithium level in nine of 10 subjects, from a mean of 0.62 mEq/L in the placebo condition to 0.70 mEq/L in the alcohol condition. Our data suggest that alcohol has limited effects on lithium carbonate kinetics. The possibility of elevated serum lithium concentrations when lithium is taken with alcohol is suggested.