
The Antiviral Side of Lithium
Lithium has successfully deterred over a dozen viruses, but how will it affect the novel coronavirus? In this podcast, Chris Aiken, MD, speaks with Janusz Rybakowski, PhD, MD, a pioneer in lithium research who helped discover its antiviral properties.
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PSYCHPEARLS PODCAST
Psychiatric medications have been fighting infections for decades. The MAOIs were originally used to treat tuberculosis. Thioridazine has been rediscovered as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections,1 and lithium doubles as an antiviral agent.2
In this podcast, I speak with Janusz Rybakowski, PhD, MD, a pioneer in lithium research who helped discover its antiviral properties.
Disclosures:
Dr Aiken is the Mood Disorders Section Editor for Psychiatric Times, the Editor in Chief of
References:
1. Lagadinou M, Onisor MO, Rigas A, et al. Antimicrobial properties on non-antibiotic drugs in the era of increased bacterial resistance. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(3):E107. Published 2020 Mar 2.
2. Rybakowski JK. Antiviral and immunomodulatory effect of lithium. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2000;33(5):159–164.
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