THE EFFECT OF LITHIUM ON ACUTE TOXICITY OF CARBAMAZEPINE IN MICE

Abstract

The effects of chronic administration of lithium, on acute toxicity of carbamazepine (CBZ) in mate albino mice was studied and the LD50 values were determined from dose-probit curves. The results showed that in lithium pretreated animals (animals consumed drinking water contraining 600 mg/L lithium carbonate for 10 days) the LD50 value (the doese corresponding to probit 5) of CBZ decreased significantly from 212.02 to 190.83 mgjkg. It seems that concurrent administration of lithium with CBZ increases the acute toxicity of CBZ in mice. Several interactions between carbamazepine and lithium has been described. It is concluded that concurrent use of lithium and CBZ., increase the acute toxicity of CBiZ in mice and such interaction may increase CBZ adverce reactions. 'Hie lithium-induced increase of CBZ lethality may be due to pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics interactions.