Drug interactions
Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart + Lithium
Severity: Moderate
Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart and Lithium: moderate interaction.
Last updated
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
Lithium can alter glucose homeostasis and may cause either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. This can change the insulin requirement in patients with diabetes.
What this interaction means in plain words
Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Lithium affects glucose metabolism and insulin secretion or action; the mechanism is variable and not well defined.
What to do
Monitor blood glucose more frequently when lithium is started, stopped or adjusted. Adjust the insulin dose to the readings.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart with Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart and Lithium can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium can alter glucose homeostasis and may cause either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. This can change the insulin requirement in patients with diabetes.
How serious is the interaction between Insulin aspart protamine / insulin aspart and Lithium?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor blood glucose more frequently when lithium is started, stopped or adjusted. Adjust the insulin dose to the readings.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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