levocarnitine (Carnitor)

Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is a naturally occurring substance that the cells of mammals need to produce energy. It is used to treat carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a small protein that binds to and helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria, the site of energy production within cells. In the mitochondria, carnitine binds to and removes toxins from the cells.

Carnitine deficiency is a condition that prevents the body from using certain fats for energy and causes a variety of symptoms including severe brain dysfunction (encephalopathy), a weakened and enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), muscle weakness, confusion, vomiting, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Levocarnitine corrects low carnitine levels and reverses symptoms of carnitine deficiency. The FDA approved levocarnitine in December 1985.

What brand names are available for levocarnitine?

Carnitor, Carnitor Sugar-Free

Is levocarnitine available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for levocarnitine?

Yes

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Belly cramps
• Loose stool (diarrhea)
• Muscle weakness
• Body odor

Other reported side effects include:

• Seizures
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Rhabdomyolysis (break down of muscle tissue)

Tablets

Combining levocarnitine and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) may increase the risk of bleeding by an unknown mechanism. If these drugs must be combined, the effect of warfarin treatment must be closely monitored and the dosage must be adjusted accordingly.

Levocarnitine has not been adequately studied in pregnant women. Levocarnitine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Levocarnitine supplementation has not been studied in nursing mothers, and it is not known whether levocarnitine is excreted into human milk.

What preparations of levocarnitine are available?

• Oral tablets: 330 mg
• Oral solution: 1 g/10 ml

How should I keep levocarnitine stored?

Levocarnitine should be stored at room temperature, between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F).