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Carnitor

Brand Names

; Carnitor® ; VitaCarn®

Therapeutic Categories

Dietary Supplement

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for treatment of carnitine deficiencies.

How does it work?

• Carnitine is a naturally occurring chemical in your body. When the body's supply is low then metabolism may change. Levocarnitine is a replacement for this deficiency.

How is it best taken?

• Take during or after meals to help decrease side effects.
• A liquid (solution) is available for patients who cannot swallow pills. Take alone or mix with a drink or other liquid food. Do not take all at once. Drink slowly.
• Divide daily dose into 2 or 3 doses.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur with rapid intake of levocarnitine. Take in divided doses.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Body odor.

What should I monitor?

• Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).