The Combination of Lithium and ACE Inhibitors: Hazardous, Critical, Possible?

Clin Drug Investig. 2019 May;39(5):485-489. doi: 10.1007/s40261-019-00768-7.

Abstract

Lithium is a well established therapeutic agent in the treatment of uni- and bipolar affective disorders. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are the most frequently used class of drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Combination therapy with both may be considered in clinical practice on occurrence of arterial hypertension after years of successful lithium therapy, yet an increased risk of lithium intoxication in combination with ACE inhibitors has been described and thus the combination has been warned against. We describe three cases in which enalapril, lisinopril or ramipril was combined with lithium. Either additional co-medication with hydrochlorothiazide or dehydration rather than co-medication with ACE inhibitors could be identified as necessary factors for lithium intoxication. These cases suggest that a combination of lithium with ACE inhibitors is possible when sufficient hydration is ensured and a combination with hydrochlorothiazide is avoided. Lithium concentration should be controlled on a regular level.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder / complications
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / complications
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / blood
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Lithium Carbonate / administration & dosage*
  • Lithium Carbonate / adverse effects
  • Lithium Carbonate / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotic Disorders / blood
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Lithium Carbonate