Levocarnitine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Carnitor, L-carnitine
Proper Use of This MedicineTake levocarnitine
with or just after meals. Also, if you are taking it in liquid form, drink
it slowly. It will be less likely to upset your stomach if you take it this
way. The liquid form may be taken alone or dissolved in drink or other liquid
food.
This medicine is also less likely to cause unwanted effects when there
is a constant amount in the blood. If you are taking more than one dose a
day, take the doses at evenly spaced times throughout the day. Doses should
be spaced at least 3 to 4 hours apart. If you need help in planning the best
times to take your medicine, check with your health care professional.
Dosing - The dose of levocarnitine will be different
for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or
the directions on the label
. The following information includes only
the average doses of levocarnitine. If your dose is different,
do not change it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets or of teaspoonfuls of solution that you take or the
number of injections you receive depends on the strength of the medicine.
Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time
allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend
on the medical problem for which you are taking levocarnitine
.
Do NOT change brands or dosage forms of levocarnitine
without first checking with your doctor. Different products may not work in
the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with
your pharmacist
.
-
For oral
dosage form (solution):
-
To prevent or treat carnitine deficiency:
-
Adults and teenagers - At first, 1 gram taken once a day with
food. Your doctor may change the dose if needed.
-
Children - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose at first is 50 mg per kg (22.7 mg per pound)
of body weight a day, divided into smaller amounts with meals. Your doctor
may change the dose if needed.
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
To prevent or treat carnitine deficiency:
-
Adults and teenagers - 990 milligrams taken two or three times
a day with meals.
-
Children - The dose is based on body weight and must be determined
by your doctor. The usual dose at first is 50 mg per kg (22.7 mg per pound)
of body weight a day, divided into smaller amounts with meals. Your doctor
may change the dose if needed.
-
For injection
dosage form:
-
To treat carnitine deficiency:
-
Adults and children - The dose is based on body weight and must
be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 50 mg per kg (22.7 mg per
pound) of body weight a day injected into a vein. Your doctor may change the
dose if needed.
-
To prevent and treat carnitine deficiency in kidney disease patients
on hemodialysis:
-
Adults and children - 10 to 20 mg per kg of body weight a day,
after dialysis. The dose may be reduced based on laboratory test results,
after 3 to 4 weeks of therapy.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Taking
doses too close together may increase stomach upset.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Store at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.
-
Do not keep outdated medicines or those no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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