Levocarnitine (Systemic)

Brand Names : Carnitor, L-carnitine

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take 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.