L-Carnitine

Generic name: Levocarnitine (oral)
Drug class: Nutraceutical products

Usage of L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring substance that the body needs for energy.

L-Carnitine is used to treat carnitine deficiency.

L-Carnitine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

L-Carnitine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

L-Carnitine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a seizure (convulsions).

    • Common side effects of L-Carnitine may include:

  • stomach pain;
  • nausea, vomiting; or
  • diarrhea.

    • This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking L-Carnitine

    To make sure L-Carnitine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • a history of seizures; or
  • if you use a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven) and you have routine "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

    • L-Carnitine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

    It is not known whether Levocarnitine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using L-Carnitine.

    Relate drugs

    How to use L-Carnitine

    Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

    Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

    The liquid medicine can be taken alone or mixed with a beverage or soft food. Sip or eat the mixture slowly.

    L-Carnitine should be taken at evenly spaced intervals every 3 or 4 hours. This medicine works best if you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal.

    While using L-Carnitine, you may need frequent blood tests.

    Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

    Warnings

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    What other drugs will affect L-Carnitine

    Other drugs may interact with levocarnitine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords