Epitome of the Pharmacopeia of the United States and the National Formulary / With Comments

by Albion Walter Hewlett; William August Puckner; Torald Hermann Sollmann; Martin I. Wilbert

Action and Uses: Used like other bromides, over which it has no advantage. For the supposed urate-solvent properties of lithium, see Lithii Carbonas.

Dosage: 1 Gm. or 15 grains (U.S.P.).

Elixir Lithii Bromidi (Elix. Lith. Brom.), Elixir of Lithium Bromide, N.F.—Lithium bromide (8.5%) in syrup, water and aromatic elixir. Absolute alcohol content about 7 per cent.

Dosage: 8 Cc. or 2 fluidrachms (N.F.).

Lithii Carbonas (Lith. Carb.), Lithium Carbonate, U.S.P.—Li₂CO₃.

Light white, odorless powder with an alkaline taste. Soluble in water (1:78); almost insoluble in alcohol.

Action and Uses: Used in the same way as sodium carbonate; without advantage over the latter. Lithium was formerly given to promote the elimination of urates because it was supposed to have special urate-solvent properties, but under the conditions existing in the body these properties do not come into play.

Dosage: 0.5 Gm. or 8 grains (U.S.P.).

Lithii Citras (Lith. Cit.), Lithium Citrate, U.S.P.

White, odorless powder or granules, with a cooling, faintly alkaline taste. Freely soluble in water (1:1.4), very slightly soluble in alcohol.