Pronunciation: lee-voe-KAR-ni-teen
Generic Name: Levocarnitine
Brand Name: Carnitor
Levocarnitine is used for:
Treating low levels of levocarnitine in the body and treating patients with metabolism problems that may cause low levels of levocarnitine. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Levocarnitine is an amino acid derivative. It works by replacing levocarnitine in the body when your body does not produce enough.
Do NOT use Levocarnitine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Levocarnitine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Levocarnitine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Levocarnitine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have kidney problems or seizures
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levocarnitine. However, no specific interactions with Levocarnitine are known at this time.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levocarnitine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Levocarnitine:
Use Levocarnitine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Take Levocarnitine during or after meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
- Take your dose of Levocarnitine slowly and space your doses evenly throughout the day.
- If you miss a dose of Levocarnitine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levocarnitine.
Important safety information:
- Do not use products containing D,L-carnitine (vitamin BT), which are available without a prescription and in health food stores, without first checking with your doctor.
- LAB TESTS, including blood chemistry and blood carnitine levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Levocarnitine during pregnancy. It is unknown whether Levocarnitine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Levocarnitine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Levocarnitine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Bad taste in mouth; diarrhea; mild muscle weakness; nausea; stomach cramps; unpleasant body odor; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); seizures.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Levocarnitine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include severe diarrhea.
Proper storage of Levocarnitine:
Store Levocarnitine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Levocarnitine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Levocarnitine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Levocarnitine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levocarnitine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Levocarnitine resources
- Levocarnitine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Levocarnitine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Levocarnitine Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Levocarnitine - Add your own review/rating
- Levocarnitine Monograph (AHFS DI)
- levocarnitine Oral, Intravenous Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
Compare Levocarnitine with other medications
- Carnitine Deficiency
- Peripheral Neuropathy
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