What is the therapeutic window for lithium?

Lithium is a medication commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and certain other psychiatric conditions. The therapeutic window for lithium is the concentration range in which the drug is effective without causing significant toxicity.

The correct range for lithium is 0.4-1 mmol/l. This narrow therapeutic window reflects the need for careful monitoring of lithium levels in patients, as levels below this range may not be effective in controlling symptoms, while levels above this range can lead to adverse effects and toxicity.

Maintaining lithium within this therapeutic range is crucial for optimizing treatment efficacy and minimizing the risk of side effects, which makes a thorough understanding of this range important for healthcare providers managing patients on lithium therapy.