Potentiation of lithium toxicity by ethanol in rats and mice.

The effects of ethanol treatments, both acute (single, intraperitoneal) and chronic (forced drinking of ethanol for 10 mo), on the distribution, excretion of lithium and urine output were studied in rats. Retention of lithium induced by ethanol appeared to be responsible for the potentiation of lithium toxicity. The potential hazard in the interaction between lithium and ethanol is discussed.