DrugDigest  
 
    Search
 
  Drugs & Herbs
  Conditions
  News & Reviews
7 Steps to Safety
Check For Savings
Senior Corner
Glossary
eBulletins
Home
Express Scripts Member?

Drugs & Vitamins

Printable Version L-Carnitine

Active Ingredients: Levocarnitine Oral
Representative Names: Carnitor Oral, L-Carnitine
Available Product Images:

What are levocarnitine tablets, capsules and oral solution?
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What drug(s) may interact with levocarnitine?
What side effects may I notice from using levocarnitine?
What should I watch for while taking levocarnitine?
Where can I keep my medicine?

What are levocarnitine tablets, capsules and oral solution? (Back to top)
LEVOCARNITINE (Carnitor®) is a prescription nutritional supplement used to treat conditions of carnitine deficiency and various other conditions. Generic levocarnitine oral solution and tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•history of seizures, or receiving any medications for the treatment of seizures.
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
•heart disease
•liver disease
•kidney disease
•swollen ankles or problems with fluid retention
•history of headaches

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take levocarnitine capsules, tablets, and oral solution by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules and tablets with a drink of water. Do not chew or open the capsules or tablets. Take the capsules, tablets or oral solution with food to lessen the risk of nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach. The oral solution may be mixed with soft drink or juice. Take your doses at regular intervals. Levocarnitine is usually taken in 3 or 4 divided daily doses. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses without advice.

What drug(s) may interact with levocarnitine? (Back to top)
•Prescription levocarnitine should not be taken with carnitine that is available at most health food stores.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from using levocarnitine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•diarrhea
•dizziness
•fast heart rate
•fever
•increased blood pressure
•seizures
•swollen ankles or problems with fluid retention
•tingling in the hands or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•body odor
•nausea/vomiting
•upset stomach

What should I watch for while taking levocarnitine? (Back to top)
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for checks on your progress. You will need to have regular blood checks.

If you have kidney disease and are receiving levocarnitine injections, you should not try to treat your condition with levocarnitine capsules, tablets or solutions. These other formulations of levocarnitine may be harmful when you have kidney problems. Talk to your health care professional if you have questions.

Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top)
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Avoid excessive heat above 40 degrees C (104 degrees F); do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.


Last Updated:08/19/2004

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY©
GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with L-Carnitine

  Test Yourself! If you currently take L-Carnitine, do you know everything that you need to know?

  Make your own printable Medication / Emergency Contact Card



Printable Version     Recommend this page to a friend