Overview and background of the role of lithium carbonate[1]
As the basic lithium salt of lithium, lithium carbonate’s largest consumer market is as an additive and flux in the glass manufacturing and ceramic production processes. Research shows that in the production process of glass manufacturing – mainly cathode picture tubes, heat-resistant glass, glass fiber and optical glass, lithium carbonate can not only reduce the maturation and melting temperature of glass, increase the density and strength of glass, but also improve Glass has many important properties such as its viscosity and thermal expansion. In the ceramic manufacturing process, adding an appropriate amount of lithium carbonate can increase the transparency of the product, increase wear resistance, reduce the expansion coefficient and melting temperature, reduce fuel consumption, and extend the life of the furnace.
In medicine, after years of clinical research and application, lithium carbonate can be used as a sleeping pill and sedative, and can treat anorexia nervosa, pathological hypersexuality, alcoholism, chorea, spastic torticollis, and diabetes insipidus. , arthritis, epilepsy, etc., and has become the drug of choice for the treatment of mania. In the aluminum smelting industry, using carbonaceous materials containing 0.4% to 1.5% lithium carbonate instead of ordinary activated carbon materials as anodes can reduce the overpotential of the anode by 150 to 200 mV, and can save 300 to 300 yuan of electricity per ton of aluminum produced. 600kW·h. Lithium carbonate is also widely used in lubricants, rechargeable batteries, air conditioners and other industries.
It is predicted that the world’s demand for lithium salt products will grow steadily at a rate of 6% to 8% every year. Especially with the rapid development of building materials, electronics, automobiles, information and other industries, lithium carbonate has become the most popular among lithium compounds. It is an important product and can be used as the basic raw material to produce various lithium compounds. In recent years, as the cathode material of lithium-ion batteries, high-purity lithium carbonate used in the electrolyte has attracted more and more attention.
It is the main raw material for producing metal Li, LiOH, LiBr, etc. It is not only used in lithium-ion batteries, but also in other aspects such as surface elastic wave element materials lithium tantalate (TL) and lithium niobate (NL) single crystal. The production of lithium carbonate has different production processes due to the different raw materials of tetrahydrofurancarboxylic acid. The following is a detailed introduction to the production process of lithium carbonate using spodumene, salt lake brine, and seawater as raw materials, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each process.
The pharmacology of lithium carbonate【2】
This product has a significant inhibitory effect on mania and can improve the affective disorders of schizophrenia. It has no effect on the mental activities of normal people during treatment. Its mechanism of action may be related to inhibiting the release of norepinephrine at synaptic sites in the brain and promoting its reuptake, thereby reducing the content of norepinephrine at synaptic sites. It can also promote the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine, increase its content, and help stabilize mood. It is mainly used clinically for the treatment of mania, and is also effective for the excitement and agitation symptoms of schizophrenia, and can be used in combination with antipsychotics.
Pharmacokinetics of lithium carbonate【3】
Lithium carbonate is absorbed rapidly and completely after oral administration, with peak plasma concentration reaching its peak 4 hours after a single dose. According to conventional administration, it takes about 5 to 7 days to reach the steady-state concentration, and the cerebrospinal fluid reaches the steady-state concentration even slower. The half-life of lithium carbonate in the body is 12 to 24 hours in adults, 18 hours in teenagers, and 36 to 48 hours in the elderly. Can be excreted in breast milk. Late stage. The half-life is prolonged in patients with renal disease, and the dosage needs to be adjusted in renal failure.
The action process of lithium carbonate in vivo[4]
Oral absorption is rapid and complete, bioavailability is 100%, apparent volume of distribution (Vd) 0.8 L/kg, plasma clearance (cL) 0.35 ml/(min·kg), single dose The blood concentration reaches its peak 4 hours later. Steady-state concentration will be reached within 5-7 days after administration according to hospital regulations, and it will take longer for cerebrospinal fluid to reach steady-state concentration. Lithium ions do not bind to plasma and tissue proteins and are distributed throughout the body along with body fluids. The concentration in each tissue is different. The concentration in the thyroid and kidney is the highest. The concentration in cerebrospinal fluid is about 1/2 of the blood concentration. The half-life (t1/2) of lithium carbonate in adults is 12-24 hours, that of teenagers is 18 hours, and that of the elderly is 36-48 hours.
This product does not degrade in the body and has no metabolites. Most of it is excreted by the kidneys and 80% can be reabsorbed by the renal tubules. The renal clearance rate of lithium is quite stable, ranging from 15 to 30 m1/min. As age increases. The excretion time slows down and can be as low as 10-15 ml/min. The rate of elimination varies from person to person and is particularly related to the sodium ions in the plasma. Sodium salt can promote the excretion of lithium salt through the kidneys, and the effective serum lithium concentration is 0.6-1.2 mmol/L. Can be excreted in breast milk. The half-life is prolonged in patients with end-stage renal disease, and the dosage needs to be adjusted in patients with renal failure.
The mechanism of action of lithium carbonate【5】
It may be related to inhibiting the release of thyretin (NA) at synaptic sites in the brain and promoting its reuptake. Reduce the NA content at synaptic sites. It is related to the weakening of nerve excitement: In addition, this product also promotes the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine, increasing its content and helping to stabilize mood.
The effects of lithium carbonate and drug interactions【6】
Combined use with diuretics can produce contradictory antidiuretic effects, reducing lithium excretion and increasing blood lithium concentration, which can easily lead to poisoning. Combined use with antipsychotics such as phenothiazines, clozapine, and haloperidol may increase the risk of extrapyramidal reactions and neurotoxicity. Combined use with Q-1 Quidopa, carbamazepine, phenytoin, diltiazem, verapamil, etc. may increase the risk of neurotoxicity. Combination with antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can lead to 5-HT syndrome.
With non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc.), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (such as captopril, etc.), m-angiotensin II receptor blockers and The combined use of metronidazole, etc. can reduce lithium excretion and increase IflL lithium concentration. Combined with theophylline, etc. Can increase lithium excretion and reduce blood lithium concentration. Combined use with potassium iodide may cause hypothyroidism. Sodium salts promote lithium excretion.
The functions and uses of lithium carbonate
This product works in the form of lithium ions. Its anti-manic mechanism is to inhibit the nerve terminal-dependent release of norepinephrine and dopamine, and promote the regeneration of norepinephrine in the synaptic gap by nerve cells. Ingestion increases its conversion and inactivation, thereby reducing the concentration of norepinephrine. It can also promote the synthesis and release of 5-hydroxytryptamine, which helps stabilize mood. This product has many side effects, but it is still the drug of choice for the treatment of mania. It is mainly used to treat mania. It has a good treatment and relapse prevention effect on bipolar disorder in which mania and depression alternate. It also has a preventive effect on recurring depression. Also used to treat schizoaffective psychosis.
Usage and dosage of lithium carbonate
For acute mania, take 1000~2000rag per dose, divided into 2~3 times. Doses should be titrated gradually to reduce adverse effects. Once symptoms are relieved, the dose should be reduced to the maintenance dose as appropriate. The maintenance dose is 500 to 1000 mg per day. Taking the medicine after a meal can reduce gastrointestinal irritation.
Contraindications of lithium carbonate
It is contraindicated for patients with severe kidney disease, dehydration, sodium deficiency, low-salt diet, acute myocardial infarction, premature ventricular contractions and other serious cardiovascular diseases, myasthenia gravis, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, pregnant women, and lactating women. .
Adverse reactions of lithium carbonate
Common adverse reactions include: nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal distension, dry mouth, trembling hands, polyuria, polydipsia, memory loss, elevated fibroblasts, etc. Rare adverse reactions include: rash, flat or inverted T wave, often asymptomatic, and can be recovered after stopping the drug. Long-term treatment may cause hypokalemia, goiter, impaired renal tubular reabsorption function, and polyuria in rare cases. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Precautions for the role of lithium carbonate
Close clinical observation should be performed during treatment and the dose should be adjusted carefully. Patients with acute mania may tolerate higher doses, which should be reduced once symptoms subside. Elderly and frail patients suffering from barium carbonate should be used with caution, and the dose should be smaller than that of young and middle-aged patients. Low sodium can increase the risk of poisoning. During medication, pay attention to a normal diet and salt intake, and drink plenty of water. The therapeutic window of this product is narrow, and the commonly used therapeutic dose is close to the toxic dose.
The synthesis route of lithium carbonate【1】
References
[1] Zhu Zenghu, Zhu Chaoliang, Wen Xianming, Zhuge Qin, Ling Baoping. Research progress on lithium carbonate production technology [J]. Salt Lake Research, 2008(03):64-72.
[2]Li Shiwen, edited by Kang Manzhen; edited by Li Yi, Li Lun, Li Shiwen, Zou Qingbo, Zhang Yuan, and Kang Manzhen, Old Drugs with New Uses 5th Edition, People’s Military Medical Press, 2013.09, page 24
[3] Editors-in-chief Chen Ning, Hou Shike, and Yu Jianbo, Sedative Drug Use Manual, China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2013.09, page 363
[4] Shi Haibo, editor-in-chief Wang Kelin, Latest Clinical Drug Manual 3rd Edition, Military Medical Science Press, 2013.01, page 434
[5] Huang Jun, edited by Huang Zuhu, Clinical handbook of drugs 5th edition, Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2015.01, page 462
[6] Editor-in-Chief Fu Hongyi, Jia Lihua, Zhang Mei and others, 2012 edition of the National Essential Medicines Manual, China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2014.01, page 107
��Research, 2008(03):64-72.
[2]Li Shiwen, edited by Kang Manzhen; edited by Li Yi, Li Lun, Li Shiwen, Zou Qingbo, Zhang Yuan, and Kang Manzhen, Old Drugs with New Uses 5th Edition, People’s Military Medical Press, 2013.09, page 24
[3] Editors-in-chief Chen Ning, Hou Shike, and Yu Jianbo, Sedative Drug Use Manual, China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2013.09, page 363
[4] Shi Haibo, editor-in-chief Wang Kelin, Latest Clinical Drug Manual 3rd Edition, Military Medical Science Press, 2013.01, page 434
[5] Huang Jun, edited by Huang Zuhu, Clinical handbook of drugs 5th edition, Shanghai Science and Technology Press, 2015.01, page 462
[6] Editor-in-Chief Fu Hongyi, Jia Lihua, Zhang Mei and others, 2012 edition of the National Essential Medicines Manual, China Medical Science and Technology Press, 2014.01, page 107
