Abstract

Management and treatment of lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

Author(s): Christopher K Finch� , Tyson WA Brooks, Peggy Yam and Kristi W Kelley

Lithium carbonate is a well documented cause of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, with as many as 10 to 15% of patients taking lithium developing this condition. Clinicians have been well aware of lithium toxicity for many years; however, the treatment of this druginduced condition has generally been remedied by discontinuation of the medication or a reduction in dose. For those patients unresponsive to traditional treatment measures, several pharmacotherapeutic regimens have been documented as being effective for the management of lithium-induced diabetes insipidus including hydrochlorothiazide, amiloride, indomethacin, desmopressin and correction of serum lithium levels.