Levocarnitine
Levocarnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative essential for energy metabolism, playing a crucial role in transporting fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. It is primarily used to treat primary and secondary carnitine deficiency syndromes, which can result from genetic disorders, certain medications, or conditions like kidney disease requiring dialysis.
Levocarnitine is a supplement used to treat carnitine deficiency and support energy metabolism in patients with metabolic disorders.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A16AA01
- RxNorm
- 42955
- Generic
- Levocarnitine
- Class
- atc-a16
- Brands
- Carni Q-Gel Forte, Carnitor
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric evaluation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if benefits outweigh risks
routine prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestermaintain therapeutic dose if needed
do not discontinue therapy if benefits outweigh risks
fetal growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding, carnitine is naturally present in milk
infant monitoring for adverse effects
pediatric_age
neonates to adolescentsweight-based dosing
approved for primary and secondary carnitine deficiency in pediatric patients
regular carnitine level monitoring, growth and development tracking
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderadjust based on renal function
monitor renal function regularly, start with lower dose if renal impairment suspected
renal function tests, carnitine levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe ckd and esrddose reduction required in severe impairment
monitor carnitine levels, avoid accumulation in ESRD patients not on dialysis
regular serum carnitine monitoring, renal function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno specific adjustment needed
use standard dosing, monitor liver function
liver function tests
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Prescription levocarnitine (Carnitor) FDA approval year
Drug class
Classification of Levocarnitine as an amino acid derivative supplement
Primary indications
Common therapeutic uses including primary and secondary carnitine deficiency
Standard oral dose
Typical dosing range for oral levocarnitine supplementation
Treatment of primary systemic carnitine deficiency and secondary carnitine deficiency resulting from genetic disorders, metabolic conditions, kidney dialysis, or valproic acid toxicity. May also be used in patients with certain fatty acid oxidation disorders.
Levocarnitine acts as a cofactor essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane, enabling their conversion into energy through beta-oxidation. It also helps remove excess acyl groups from the body.
Available in oral and intravenous formulations. May cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps. Patients with certain metabolic disorders or seizure conditions should use with caution. Regular monitoring of carnitine levels may be required during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy