Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus treated with indomethacin

South Med J. 1993 Aug;86(8):971-3. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199308000-00027.

Abstract

NDI occurs in 5% to 20% of patients receiving long-term lithium therapy. The associated polyuria usually resolves within 3 weeks of lithium discontinuance but can persist beyond a year. For such patients, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride therapy has been hampered by the delayed effect and intrinsic side effects of these agents. We have described the case of a 66-year-old man with a history of bipolar disorder treated with lithium who was transferred to the intensive care unit with coma. Indomethacin therapy, at a dose of 50 mg every 8 hours, was begun and improvement of the NDI state was observed within 3 hours of lithium administration. There was complete normalization of mental status and laboratory studies after 36 hours. A complete 3-week course of indomethacin was required to keep the patient free of symptoms of NDI. We have also discussed the role of indomethacin in reversing lithium-induced NDI and reviewed pertinent prior reports in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Aged
  • Diabetes Insipidus / chemically induced*
  • Diabetes Insipidus / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Indomethacin / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lithium Carbonate / adverse effects*
  • Male

Substances

  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Indomethacin