Type of Drug:
Amino acid derivative.
How the Drug Works:
Occurring naturally in the body, Localities is needed by the body for energy metabolism and to properly use fats.
Uses:
To supplement the diet of people born with primary carnation deficiency. Symptoms of primary carnitine deficiency include low blood sugar, lethargy, liver problems, heart problems, muscle weakness, neurologic disturbances, and impaired growth and development in infants.
Carnitor is used for the acute and chronic treatment of patients with internal metabolism errors that cause a secondary carnitine deficiency. It is also used for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in patients with end-stage kidney disease who are also undergoing dialysis.
Unlabeled Uses: Occasionally doctors may prescribe L-carnitine for modifying abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns.
Precautions:
Do not use in the following situations: Allergy to L-carnitine or any of its ingredients.
Kidney disease: Patients with kidney disease taking D, L-carnitine (not L-carnitine) have, on rare occasions, noted mild muscle weakness.
Pregnancy: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: It is not known if appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding
Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Tests include blood chemistries, vital signs, plasma L-carnitine concentrations, and overall clinical condition
Dosage
| Type | Generic Name Brand Name Examples |
Supplied As | Generic Available |
| Levocarnitine (L-Carnitine) |
Yes |
||
| otc | L-Carnitine | Tablets: 500 mg |
Yes |
| otc | L-Carnitine | Capsules: 250 mg, 500 mg |
No |
| Rx | Carnitor | Tablets: 330 mg |
No |
| Rx | Carnitor | Oral solution: 100 mg/mL |
No |
| Rx | Carnitor | Injection: 500 mg/2.5 mL, 1 g/5 mL |
No |
Side Effects:
Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many L-carnitine users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:
Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps; diarrhea.
Other: Body odor.
Guidelines for Use:
- Dosage will be individualized.
- Capsules and tablets – Take on an empty stomach.
- Oral solution – Take alone or dissolve in drinks or liquid food. Consume slowly. Space doses evenly (eg, every 3 or 4 hours), prefer- ably with or after meals.
- D, L-carnitine, sold in health food stores as vitamin BT’ inhibits L-carnitine and can cause a deficiency.
- Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.
- Store at controlled room temperature (59° to B6°F).