Drug interactions
Amlodipine-valsartan + Lithium
Severity: Major
Amlodipine-valsartan and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Valsartan can raise serum lithium concentrations and precipitate lithium toxicity, including tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal upset. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index.
What this interaction means in plain words
Amlodipine-valsartan and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Amlodipine-valsartan belongs to Cardiovascular; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Angiotensin receptor blockade reduces renal sodium and lithium clearance, increasing lithium reabsorption.
What to do
Check lithium levels before and after starting valsartan and regularly thereafter. Reduce the lithium dose guided by levels and watch for toxicity, especially with dehydration or renal impairment.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
Other interactions of Amlodipine-valsartan
- Aliskiren + Amlodipine-valsartan Contraindicated
- Amlodipine-valsartan + Sparsentan Contraindicated
- Aldesleukin + Amlodipine-valsartan Major
- Amifostine + Amlodipine-valsartan Major
- Amiloride + Amlodipine-valsartan Major
- Amlodipine-valsartan + Benazepril Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Amlodipine-valsartan with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Amlodipine-valsartan and Lithium can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Valsartan can raise serum lithium concentrations and precipitate lithium toxicity, including tremor, confusion, ataxia and gastrointestinal upset. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index.
How serious is the interaction between Amlodipine-valsartan and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lithium levels before and after starting valsartan and regularly thereafter. Reduce the lithium dose guided by levels and watch for toxicity, especially with dehydration or renal impairment.
What other medicines interact with Amlodipine-valsartan?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Amlodipine-valsartan with, for example, Aliskiren, Sparsentan, Aldesleukin. The full list is on the Amlodipine-valsartan page.
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