What is the therapeutic serum range for lithium?

What is the therapeutic serum range for lithium?

• A. 0.2-0.6
• B. 0.6-1.2
• C. 1.2-2.0
• D. 0.8-1.4

Answer: (B)

Lithium works only within a narrow window between effectiveness and toxicity, so serum monitoring guides safe dosing. The typical therapeutic range for lithium in adults is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. This range provides mood stabilization while minimizing toxicity; levels below 0.6 tend to be ineffective, while levels above about 1.5–2.0 increase the risk of toxicity (tremor, confusion, ataxia, seizures). Hydration and a consistent salt intake help keep levels stable, and trough levels are usually checked about 12 hours after the last dose to reflect steady-state.

Lithium works only within a narrow window between effectiveness and toxicity, so serum monitoring guides safe dosing. The typical therapeutic range for lithium in adults is 0.6–1.2 mEq/L. This range provides mood stabilization while minimizing toxicity; levels below 0.6 tend to be ineffective, while levels above about 1.5–2.0 increase the risk of toxicity (tremor, confusion, ataxia, seizures). Hydration and a consistent salt intake help keep levels stable, and trough levels are usually checked about 12 hours after the last dose to reflect steady-state.