Generic Lithobid

Generic Lithobid is currently available in one strength: lithium carbonate 300 mg extended-release tablets. The FDA has assigned an "AB" rating to the medication, meaning that it should be equivalent to the brand-name version. However, generic Lithobid is allowed to have different inactive ingredients (such as fillers or dyes) from the brand-name version, which may cause problems for people with allergies.

 

An Overview of Generic Lithobid

Lithobid® (lithium carbonate) is a prescription medication approved to treat bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). Lithobid is an extended-release form of lithium.
 
Lithobid was originally made by JDS Pharmaceuticals. However, the patents for the drug have expired, and generic Lithobid is now available.
 

Who Makes Generic Lithobid?

Generic Lithobid is made by the following manufacturers:
 
  • Barr Laboratories
  • Roxane Laboratories
  • UDL Laboratories.
     

Strengths of Generic Lithobid

Generic Lithobid is available in one strength -- lithium carbonate 300 mg extended-release tablets. These tablets also come in another strength (450 mg), but these are equivalent to another product (Eskalith CR®), not to Lithobid.
 

Is Generic Lithobid as Good as the Brand-Name Medication?

All generic medications must undergo certain tests to compare them to brand-name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generic versions are equivalent to the brand-name medications and assigns a rating to each one. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand-name medication. All of the generic Lithobid versions currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Lithobid.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients from the brand-name medication. This might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients, which could cause problems for people with certain allergies or sensitivities.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;