Drug interactions
Lithium + Salicylates
Severity: Minor
Lithium and Salicylates: minor 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
Non-aspirin salicylates may have a small effect on lithium clearance, and their impact is generally less than that of other NSAIDs. A rise in serum lithium is possible, mainly at high doses or with renal impairment.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Salicylates have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Why it happens
Possible modest reduction in renal lithium clearance via prostaglandin inhibition; the effect is weaker than with other NSAIDs.
What to do
Check lithium levels when starting regular high-dose salicylate therapy or after a dose change. Watch for early toxicity symptoms.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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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 Lithium with Salicylates?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Lithium and Salicylates have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Non-aspirin salicylates may have a small effect on lithium clearance, and their impact is generally less than that of other NSAIDs. A rise in serum lithium is possible, mainly at high doses or with renal impairment.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Salicylates?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Check lithium levels when starting regular high-dose salicylate therapy or after a dose change. Watch for early toxicity symptoms.
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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