What is the half-life of lithium in a typical adult?

The half-life of lithium in a typical adult is approximately 24 hours. This means that after 24 hours, half of the lithium dose that was initially administered will be eliminated from the body. Understanding the half-life of a drug is crucial for managing dosing schedules and ensuring appropriate therapeutic levels are maintained without causing toxicity.

For lithium, which is commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, knowing its half-life helps healthcare providers determine how frequently to prescribe it and monitor blood levels to make adjustments as needed. A shorter half-life would require more frequent dosing, while a longer half-life would allow for more extended intervals between doses. In clinical practice, this information is essential for effective patient management, especially in stabilizing mood disorders where consistent therapeutic drug levels are important for efficacy and safety.