About l carnitine
Amino acid derivative; carnitine replacement
Used for
- Treatment of primary systemic carnitine deficiency
- Treatment of carnitine deficiency in certain metabolic disorders
- Prevention or treatment of deficiency in some dialysis patients
Usual adult dose
For severe deficiency, commonly 50 mg/kg intravenously initially, then adjusted by blood levels and clinical response.
Usual dose in children
For severe deficiency, commonly 50 mg/kg intravenously initially; specialist-guided dosing is adjusted by blood levels and response.
Common side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Body odor resembling fish
- Injection-site reactions
- Seizures, particularly in people with seizure disorders
Important warnings
- Use under medical supervision; dosing depends on the cause and blood carnitine levels.
- Rapid intravenous administration can cause reactions; administer as directed.
- Use caution with seizure disorders or a history of seizures.
- Monitor for allergic reactions and changes in anticoagulant effect.
Pregnancy
Human pregnancy data are limited. Use only when a clinician considers treatment necessary.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether injected levocarnitine affects a breastfed infant; discuss treatment with a clinician.
Interactions
- May increase the effect of warfarin; closer monitoring of clotting tests may be needed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.