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Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
Formulary Chapter: 4 - Central nervous system 
Notes:

Any drug not listed on the Formulary should be considered Non-Formulary - Not recommended for prescribing
04.02.03 Drugs used for mania and hypomania
Lithium Prescribing and Monitoring Shared Care Guidelines NICE CG103: Delirium NICE CG178: Schizophrenia NICE CG185: Bipolar disorder
04.02.03 Benzodiazepines
04.02.03 Antipsychotic drugs
04.02.03 Carbamazepine
04.02.03 Valproic acid
04.02.03 Lithium
Lithium Prescribing and Monitoring Shared Care Guidelines NICE CG103: Delirium NICE CG178: Schizophrenia NICE CG185: Bipolar disorder

Lithium Carbonate (Priadel®)
(Tablets )

SCG
First Choice

200mg & 400mg Sustained Release Tablets

This medication must be prescribed via brand name due to differences in bioavailability - alternative brands may be ordered by Pharmacy if for continuation therapy only.

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC

Lithium Citrate 520mg/5mL (Priadel Liquid®)
(Oral Solution )

SCG
Formulary

 

 

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC

Lithium Carbonate 450mg (Liskonum®)
(MR Tablets )

SCG
Formulary

This medication must be prescribed via brand name due to differences in bioavailability - alternative brands may be ordered by Pharmacy if for continuation therapy only.

 

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC

Lithium Carbonate 400mg (Camcolit®)
(MR Tablets )

SCG
Formulary

This medication must be prescribed via brand name due to differences in bioavailability - alternative brands may be ordered by Pharmacy if for continuation therapy only.

N.B The most expensive lithium brand. Priadel preferred. For continuation of treatment only.

 

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC
Non formulary items

Lithium carbonate 250mg tablets

 
Non Formulary

High cost and higher risk of side effects with immediate release preparation.

Consider referral to specialist for review.

 

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC

Lithium Citrate (Li-Liquid®)

 
Non Formulary

Priadel liquid preferred

 

Entry reviewed: June 2023

BNF BNFc SPC
Classifications
GREEN
May be initiated in any care setting
Amber SPA
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Amber SPIS
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
SCG
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
RED
Red medicines are designated as specialist only medicines which should only be prescribed by a specialist, usually within secondary care (either due to the requirement for specialist knowledge, long-term monitoring requirements, or restrictions that mean medicine supplies are only available to hospitals).
DNP
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
SELF
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.