Levocarnitine
CARNITOR
What it isCarnitine supplement enabling fatty acid transport into mitochondria; primary and secondary carnitine deficiency.
Why this oneThe specific treatment for carnitine deficiency, including valproate-induced hyperammonemia.
What limits itA fishy body odor is common and limits adherence. Evidence outside true deficiency is weak.
Principal riskFishy body odor limiting adherence
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryUnknown / historical label unavailable
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carnitine deficiency (primary/secondary) | Adults | 990 mg BID–TID | 990 mg BID or TID | per clinical response |
| Carnitine deficiency | Infants & children | 50 mg/kg/day divided | 50–100 mg/kg/day divided | 3 g/day |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Oral only; not for parenteral use.
- Space doses evenly (every 3–4 hr), preferably during or after meals.
- Solution may be taken alone or dissolved in drink; consume slowly to maximize tolerance.
Available strengths
- tab 330 mg
- sol 1 g/10 mL
- inj 200 mg/mL
Cautions
- Seizures reported (with or without pre-existing seizure disorder); may increase seizure frequency/severity
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria, facial edema)
Adverse reactions
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea
- Body odor
- Seizures; rash, urticaria, facial edema
Pregnancy Animal studies show no fetal harm; no adequate human studies — use only if clearly needed.
Lactation Undefined
Cost
Generic entry2001
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Self-check
- Which valproate-related condition can levocarnitine treat?
Hyperammonemia associated with carnitine deficiency. - What common levocarnitine effect limits adherence?
Fishy body odor.