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Effect of lithium dosing schedule on urinary output
C O'Donovan1, J Hawkes, R Bowen
1Department of Psychiatry, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Switching to a single daily dose of lithium did not significantly reduce urine volume in patients. This study investigated the effect of lithium dosing regimens on polyuria, a common side effect.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Lithium therapy is associated with polyuria in up to 35% of patients.
- Previous suggestions to reduce polyuria with single daily dosing are based on non-randomized studies with higher lithium levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if switching patients from multiple to single daily lithium doses reduces 24-hour urine volume.
- To assess the effect of single daily dosing on urine volume at currently used lithium levels.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study was conducted.
- Twenty-four patients on multiple daily lithium doses were randomized to single or multiple daily doses.
- Measurements included 24-hour urine volume, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and serum lithium levels.
Main Results:
- Switching to a single daily dose regimen did not significantly decrease 24-hour urine volume.
- No significant difference in urine volume was observed between single and multiple daily dosing groups.
Conclusions:
- Single daily lithium dosing does not appear to reduce urine volume in patients at currently used therapeutic levels.
- Further research may be needed to explore alternative strategies for managing lithium-induced polyuria.