GENERIC NAME: LEVOCARNITINE - ORAL (lee-voh-KAR-nih-teen)
BRAND NAME(S): Carnitor
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: Also known as L-carnitine, this is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative required by the body in energy metabolism and for proper use of fats. This medication is used as a dietary supplement to treat carnitine deficiency. It may also be used in persons with abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns. If you have serious kidney disease (such as ESRD/dialysis), the intravenous (IV) form of carnitine should be used. The reason is that large doses of carnitine taken by mouth for long periods of time may result in serious side effects (e.g., seizures), interfere with dialysis (increased nitrogen wastes), and cause "fishy odor" to occur.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication as directed. Do not skip any doses or take this more often than prescribed. The liquid form may be taken alone or dissolved in a drink. Drink it slowly to prevent stomach upset. Doses should be spaced evenly every 3 to 4 hours as directed. This is best taken with or after meals. Tablets or capsules should be taken at evenly spaced intervals. If stomach upset occurs, take each dose with food.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally well tolerated. It may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, body odor or muscle weakness. If any of these symptoms continues or becomes bothersome, consult your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: epilepsy, severe kidney disease, any allergies. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Dialysis - Dialysis is a procedure that performs many of the normal duties of the kidneys, like filtering waste products from the blood, when the kidneys no longer work adequately. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
- Seizure (Epilepsy) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
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