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Lithium monitoring requirements — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardCNS TherapeuticsLithium monitoring requirementsGPhC CRA

A stable patient’s lithium brand is changed because the usual modified-release product is unavailable. What additional safety step is required?

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Correct answer: D — Treat the switch like re-initiation and recheck a 12-hour lithium level

Lithium preparations can differ in bioavailability. Switching brand or formulation should be managed as a new initiation: confirm the intended dose, counsel the patient and check a 12-hour level after steady state, commonly about 1 week later, then adjust clinically.

Reference: BNF: lithium carbonate: https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/lithium-carbonate/