Carnitor (Levocarnitine)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - January 25, 2021
Carnitor (Levocarnitine) Medication Information
Uses
Carnitor is indicated in the treatment of primary systemic carnitine deficiency. Carnitor is also indicated for acute and chronic treatment of patients with an inborn error of metabolism which results in a secondary carnitine deficiency.
Dosage
There are oral tablets available in 330 mg strength.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Carnitor include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
Gastrointestinal reactions may result from a too rapid consumption of carnitine. They should be consumed slowly and doses should be spaced evenly throughout the day to maximize tolerance.
The safety and efficacy of oral levocarnitine has not been evaluated in patients with renal insufficiency. Chronic administration of high doses of oral levocarnitine in patients with severely compromised renal function or in ESRD patients on dialysis may result in accumulation of the potentially toxic metabolites, trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), since these metabolites are normally excreted in the urine.
Mutagenicity tests performed in Salmonella typhimurium, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe indicate that levocarnitine is not mutagenic. No long-term animal studies have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of levocarnitine.
Interactions
One of the possible drug interactions with Carnitor:
- Warfarin
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF).
Pharmacist Tips
- Monitoring should include periodic blood chemistries, vital signs, plasma carnitine concentrations and overall clinical condition.
- The recommended oral dosage for adults is 990 mg two or three times a day using the 330 mg tablets, depending on clinical response.
- There have been no reports of toxicity from levocarnitine overdose.
Levocarnitine FAQs
Can I take this with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Can I take this if I am pregnant?
There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
In nursing mothers receiving levocarnitine, any risks to the child of excess carnitine intake need to be weighed against the benefits of levocarnitine supplementation to the mother. Consideration may be given to discontinuation of nursing or of levocarnitine treatment.
Can this be used in an IV?
For oral use only. Not for parenteral use.
What is Carnitor used for?
Carnitor is indicated for acute and chronic treatment of patients with a carnitine deficiency.
What are the contraindications for this medication?
None are known.
Reference:
Carnitor {package insert}. Amityville, NY: Sigma-tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2006.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/018948s024,019257s011lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.