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Levocarnitine is used to treat or prevent low levels of carnitine, which is important for making energy. Levocarnitine works by acting as a replacement for carnitine. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, stomach discomfort, body odor, and dizziness. While less common, more serious side effects may include seizures or allergic reactions. Levocarnitine comes in several forms, including tablets, liquid, sugar-free liquid, and injections.

Uses

What is levocarnitine used for?

Levocarnitine is commonly used for carnitine deficiency, which is a condition where your body does not have enough carnitine. Carnitine helps your body make energy. Low levels of carnitine can cause problems with your muscles, liver, and heart.

Levocarnitine may also be used for carnitine deficiency in people who need dialysis for advanced kidney disease. 

These uses may vary depending on the specific levocarnitine product used. Levocarnitine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. 

How does levocarnitine work (mechanism of action)?

Levocarnitine is similar to a natural compound called carnitine. It helps move fatty acids into the part of your cells that makes energy. If your body does not have enough carnitine, levocarnitine can act as a replacement. 

How is levocarnitine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Carnitor

Levocarnitine, also known as L-carnitine, is available as a prescription in the following dosage forms and strengths.

  • 330 mg oral tablets
  • 1 g/10 mL oral solution
  • 1 g/10 mL sugar-free oral solution

Levocarnitine is also available in injectable forms.

Levocarnitine is also available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms. It may be used to help manage low levels of carnitine or for other reasons. Only use the product prescribed or recommended for you by a health care provider.

How should I store levocarnitine?

Oral Liquid or Tablet. Levocarnitine liquid or tablet should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep in the original packaging and do not freeze or expose to excessive heat.

Injection Liquid. Injectable levocarnitine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of levocarnitine?

The most common side effects of levocarnitine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Body odor
  • Dizziness
  • Sore throat
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site (injectable form only)

There may be other side effects of levocarnitine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of levocarnitine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of levocarnitine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Levocarnitine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using levocarnitine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Seizures. Some people who have used levocarnitine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using levocarnitine and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use levocarnitine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should talk to their health care provider before using levocarnitine.

  • Carnitor
  • Levocarnitine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific levocarnitine products they stock.

What should I know about levocarnitine before using it?

If levocarnitine was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using over-the-counter levocarnitine, follow the instructions that come with the product.

Do not share levocarnitine that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep levocarnitine out of the reach of children.

If you are taking levocarnitine oral liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Levocarnitine oral liquid may be taken alone or dissolved in drinks or other liquids. Take it slowly. Taking levocarnitine oral liquid too quickly can raise the risk of side effects, such as nausea. It is best to take it during or after meals, as directed by your health care provider.

Keep all appointments, including for lab tests and blood tests, before and while using levocarnitine. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using levocarnitine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if levocarnitine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Seizure Disorder. Levocarnitine may make seizures more frequent or severe in people who have had seizures in the past. Tell your health care provider if you have epilepsy or seizures. 

Kidney Problems. The risk of side effects from levocarnitine may be higher in certain people with kidney problems. Tell your health care provider if you have kidney problems. 

Other Medicines and Supplements. Levocarnitine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using levocarnitine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how levocarnitine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if levocarnitine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use levocarnitine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does levocarnitine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between levocarnitine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect levocarnitine.

Does levocarnitine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking warfarin, which is a blood thinner.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with levocarnitine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much levocarnitine?

If you or someone else has used too much levocarnitine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of levocarnitine?

If you miss a dose of oral levocarnitine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Levocarnitine injection is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled.