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Can Lithum Carbonate Permanently Damage Kidneys?

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Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015
Question: Can lithum carbonate permanently damage kidneys? What are signs and symptoms of lithium damage to kidneys? Assume lithium therapy was 6 months in duration and has now been discontinued 3 months ago. Is damage reversible or is it permanent? How long for kidneys to recover?
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Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Renal toxicity of Lithium

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Lithium induced toxicity can occur when the patient is on long term lithium therpay. However the most common renal side effect of lithium is diabetes insipidus, which is reversible by 12 weeks on cessation of the drug.

Permanent kidney damage is also seen in the form of Chronic interstitial nephritis, however this is a very gradual decline in the filtration capacity of the kidneys. It is usually seen in patients receiving lithium therapy for more than 20 years.
In your case if the lithium use has been only for 6 months and you have no other co morbid illnesses like diabetes or hypertension then your kidney will most likely recover

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha

Nephrologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 4364 Questions

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Can Lithum Carbonate Permanently Damage Kidneys?

Brief Answer: Renal toxicity of Lithium Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query Lithium induced toxicity can occur when the patient is on long term lithium therpay. However the most common renal side effect of lithium is diabetes insipidus, which is reversible by 12 weeks on cessation of the drug. Permanent kidney damage is also seen in the form of Chronic interstitial nephritis, however this is a very gradual decline in the filtration capacity of the kidneys. It is usually seen in patients receiving lithium therapy for more than 20 years. In your case if the lithium use has been only for 6 months and you have no other co morbid illnesses like diabetes or hypertension then your kidney will most likely recover I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me Regards