L-Carnitine

Also known as: Levo-carnitine

Drug #1291

L-Carnitine is amino acid derivative. It occurs naturally as an essential co-factor of fatty acid metabolism, which is synthesized endogenously or obtained from dietary source. Chemically L-Carnitine is identified as 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium hydoxide. L-Carnitine is involved in energy metabolism. L-Carnitine is used to treat carnitine deficiency. L-Carnitine is also used in persons with abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns. L-Carnitine is administered orally and intravenously.

← Previous drug Next drug →

Primary Characteristics

L-Carnitine is also known as Levo-carnitine.

It is of Synthetic origin and belongs to Amino Acid.

Molecular Weight: 161.2 · pK_a: 3.8 · Solubility in Water: soluble in water · Solubility in Alcohol: Soluble in warm Alcohol · Non-proprietary name: L-Carnitine · pH: 6.5.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: L-Carnitine has an oral bioavailability is 12.5% (±2.5%).

Distribution: L-Carnitine has a volume of distribution is ~0.5 l/kg. plasma protein binding is negligible.

Elimination: it is metabolised via Slightly, plasma half-life is 6.5 hr, renal excretion is 18-49%.

Indications

L-Carnitine is primarily indicated in conditions like Myopathic carnitine deficiency, Primary carnitine deficiency, Secondary carnitine deficiency, Systemic carnitine deficiency.

L-Carnitine is also indicated for secondary conditions like Myocardial ischaemia, Skeletal muscle ischemia, Valproate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Contraindications

L-Carnitine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.

Dosage

L-Carnitine's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
300 mg/kg	300 mg/kg	Every 8h	PO/IV	not to exceed 3 g/d, In 2-4 divided doses.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

None recorded.

Side Effects

L-Carnitine is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal cramps, Diarrhea, Drug-related body odor, Nausea, Vomiting .

Warnings / Precautions

L-carnitine should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing illness or allergy. Pateints with severe renal impairment should not be given high oral doses of levo carnitine.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

L-Carnitine should be stored Tab, Liq, Caps.

Drug Classification

1.27 — Vitamins, minerals, tonics, and other susbstances