Home Molecules L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Molecule Description

Levocarnitine is a diet supplement used to prevent and treat low blood levels o

f Carnitine in children, infants and newborns below 12 years of age. Carnitine is an amino acid useful for metabolism in our body.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Primary Carnitine deficiency is a condition in which a gene (a part of DNA) defect affects the uptake of Carnitine into the cells from blood. Secondary Carnitine deficiency is caused due to low Carnit...

Contraindications of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

When should one not use L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Allergy to Levocarnitine or any other ingredient used in the medicine.

Side effects of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Mild stomach upset (stomach cramps or loose motions)
The child may feel sick (mild in nature)
Fishy smell from the body due to the medicine (not very common)
It may take longer time than usual for the blood to clot if you are taking any anti-clotting medicines like Warfarin

Precautions and Warnings of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Pregnancy

Can I take L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine during pregnancy?

This medicine is intended to be used in children, infants and newborns below 12 years of age.

Breast Feeding

Can I take L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine while breastfeeding?

This medicine is intended to be used in children, infants and newborns below 12 years of age.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine?

It is not intended to be used in adults. This medicine is only for use in children, infants and newborns below 12 years of age.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine?

This medicine is intended to be used in children, infants and newborns below 12 years of age.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Any severe kidney disease (requiring dialysis)
A person with diabetes under treatment
Intolerance to sugars
Is taking any medicines to prevent blood clotting (Warfarin, etc.)

Mode of Action of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

How Does It Work?

Carnitine is an amino acid whose primary role is to convert fat from the foods we eat into energy. Deficiency of Carnitine can result in muscle weakness in hips, shoulders, hands, legs, neck, face and...

Interactions of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Interactions with other medicines

Levocarnitine interacts with blood thinners (anti-coagulant medicines) like Warfarin and delays blood clotting
Valproic Acid taken for seizures can cause Carnitine deficiency

Interactions with food items

No significant interactions but it is advisable to take Levocarnitine 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals with water or fruit juice.

Dietary Restrictions of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Mix the solution with water, fruit juices or liquid food and tell your child to drink it slowly.

Dosage of L-Carnitine / Levocarnitine / Carnitine

Overdose

Accidental overdose may not be harmful. But extreme overdose can cause complications and your child may require hospitalization. Inform your doctor in any case.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Check the time interval between 2 dosages prescribed by the doctor, ensure not to take two dosages close to each other (6-8 hours gap between two doses i...

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Levocarnitine cure Carnitine deficiency?

In case of secondary Carnitine deficiency which is acquired after birth due to external causes, Levocarnitine supplementation will treat the disease
Your child need not take this medicine forever. The medication can be stopped once the blood levels in Carnitine have reached normal levels
In the case of primary Carnitine deficiency which is present from birth, the medicine needs to be taken for a longer time. Your doctor will decide the dose and how long the medication needs to be take...
Read more
It is advisable to check for the Carnitine levels in blood and urine regularly while on treatment

Q: Is there anything else I should know if my child is on Levocarnitine medication?

Do not self-medicate with Levocarnitine. The dose has to be decided by the doctor based on the condition and Carnitine levels and any self-adjustment of dosage is not recommended
Fishy smell of urine, breath and sweat may indicate the dose is higher. Inform your doctor immediately and he will reduce the dose
Levocarnitine is a highly absorbable form of Carnitine and hence you should be very careful with the dosage

References

Last Updated on: 24 Dec 2020 | 01:48 PM (IST)

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