Enhancement of lithium elimination by multiple-dose sodium polystyrene sulfonate

Objective: To determine whether multiple doses of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) enhance the elimination of IV-administered lithium (Li).

Methods: The study was a placebo-controlled, investigator-unblinded, murine trial of multiple doses of SPS on serum Li concentrations. Seventy-five male CD-1 mice were given IV pretreatment with LiCl (125 mg/ kg) followed by gavage treatments with SPS (5 g/kg/dose) 20, 40, 90, 150, and 210 minutes after LiCl (experimental group) or deionized water at equivalent times (control group). Subgroups of each treatment group were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after LiCl administration and blood was collected for Li analysis.

Results: Statistical analyses indicated that the SPS group had lower serum Li concentrations overall than did the control Animals. This difference was apparent at the 2-, 4-, and 6-hour time points.

Conclusion: In this murine model, repetitive doses of orogastric SPS enhanced the elimination of parenterally administered Li.