Levocarnitine
Description
Levocarnitine is a naturally occurring substance in the body that facilitates the conversion of fat to energy. Levocarnitine is used to treat severe carnitine deficiency. Carnitine is a protein that is made in your brain, liver, and kidneys. It helps the body in the conversion of fat into energy. This medicine is also used for the treatment of secondary carnitine deficiency (when there is not enough carnitine in the blood). Levocarnitine works by increasing the levels of carnitine in the body.
Levocarnitine may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, headache, etc. Seek medical attention if these side effects persist. Avoid taking Levocarnitine if you are allergic to it. Levocarnitine can be used in children only if advised by your doctor.
Levocarnitine is available as tablet, capsule, oral solution and injection dosage forms. The dose of the medicine and duration of treatment will be decided by your doctor based on your condition. The oral form of Levocarnitine should be taken with food to avoid stomach discomfort. The injectable form of the medicine will be given intravenously (into the vein) by your doctor in the hospital setting. Levocarnitine should be used with caution if you have diabetes because it can alter the blood glucose levels.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Levocarnitine
- Allergic reaction
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heartbeat
- Fever
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
Uses of Levocarnitine
What is it prescribed for?
- Primary systemic carnitine deficiency
- Secondary carnitine deficiency
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for Levocarnitine to show its effect is not known.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Levocarnitine remains active in the body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported for Levocarnitine.
- Usage in pregnancy?Levocarnitine is considered safe for use in pregnancy. However, discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Levocarnitine is safe to be used during breastfeeding. This medicine is known to pass into breast milk and does not cause harm to your infant. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Do not take Levocarnitine if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Levocarnitine is considered safe for use in pregnancy. However, discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Levocarnitine is safe to be used during breastfeeding. This medicine is known to pass into breast milk and does not cause harm to your infant. However, inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Kidney diseases
Levocarnitine is excreted from the kidneys. If you have kidney problems this medicine may accumulate in your kidneys and leads to serious side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine based on your clinical condition. Levocarnitine is not recommended for use if you have severe kidney problems.
Other medicines
Levocarnitine may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe side effects. Hence, inform the doctor about all your concurrent medicines including any herbs and supplements before beginning treatment with Levocarnitine.
Stomach discomfort
The oral form of Levocarnitine may cause stomach irritation leading to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or cramps. Seek medical help if you notice any of these symptoms.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: If you missed a dose of Levocarnitine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Injection: Since Levocarnitine is given in the hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral forms: Never take more than the prescribed dose of Levocarnitine. If you suspect that you might have taken an overdose of this medicine, seek immediate medical help.
Injection: Since Levocarnitine is administered by a healthcare professional, the chances of overdose are very less. However, your doctor will take measures if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Anticoagulants
Disease interactions
Diabetes Mellitus
Levocarnitine may interfere with the insulin secretion in the body and may increase the risk of high blood sugar levels in your body. Consult your doctor if you experience unusual weakness, frequent urination, or any diabetes-associated side effects after taking this capsule.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral form: Levocarnitine should be taken with food or as instructed by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Consult your doctor if you experience any undesirable effects.
Report all your current medicines as well as your pre-existing medical conditions if any to your doctor before taking Levocarnitine.
Foods containing vitamin C like orange, lemon, kiwi, etc., can increase the carnitine levels in the body. Taking Levocarnitine along with dairy products may show a faster action.
Parenteral form: Levocarnitine should be given by a qualified healthcare professional in the hospital setting. Inform your doctor if you are on anticoagulant or antidiabetic medications before receiving Levocarnitine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Levocarnitine works by improving the low levels of carnitine in the body. It helps the body produce energy and improves the efficiency of body function.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Intravenous nutritional products, Oral nutritional supplements
Schedule
N/A
Pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. Levocarnitine. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 October 2021].
Pdf.hres.ca. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 7 October 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 July 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Levocarnitine 30% Paediatric Oral Solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 5 July 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 14 Oct 2021
Disclaimer
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