BIOAVAILABILITY-OF-IMMEDIATE-AND-CONTROLLED-RELEASE-FORMULATIONS-OF-LITHIUM-CARBONATE http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-44462002000200007 INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Controlled-release lithium formulations were developed to minimize elevated blood peaks, related to side-effects and intoxications. However, there is little information about the bioavailability of the only controlled-release lithium formulation available in Brazil. The objective of this study was to compare the bioavailability of controlled-release and immediate-release lithium formulations, after single and multiple doses. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers received 900 mg of immediate-release or controlled-release lithium carbonate in single or multiple doses during 9 days.