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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Elevated Creatinine Levels While On Lithium?

My Creatinine level has gone from 1.4 to 1.6 in 5 weeks. BUN to creatine ratio is low.BUN is within range. However I have been on lithium and my lithium level went from 0.4 to 1.1 in the same 5 weeks. My question is does this seem lithium related? Perhaps my kidneys were having trouble filtering the lithium and creatinine along with it. Is this feasible? Thanks
Mon, 16 Mar 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

It is suggestive of lithium induced kidney disease. Based on the history you seem to have developed lithium induced progressive decline in kidney function, evidenced by increasing serum creatinine level. The lithium causes direct injury to the kidney tubules. Once you stop taking lithium the creatinine may revert back to its normal level. Consult your psychiatrist for an alternate effective but a safer medication to treat your bipolar disorder.

Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Elevated Creatinine Levels While On Lithium?

Hi, It is suggestive of lithium induced kidney disease. Based on the history you seem to have developed lithium induced progressive decline in kidney function, evidenced by increasing serum creatinine level. The lithium causes direct injury to the kidney tubules. Once you stop taking lithium the creatinine may revert back to its normal level. Consult your psychiatrist for an alternate effective but a safer medication to treat your bipolar disorder. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician