Levo-carnitine
Introduction To Levo-carnitine
Levo-carnitine belongs to a class of medications called amino acids. It is used in the treatment of carnitine deficiency. It helps the body produce energy and improves the efficiency of body function.
Levo-carnitine is generally administered by a healthcare professional. You should not self-administer this at home. It may cause injection site reactions like pain, swelling, redness that are generally mild and temporary.
Levo-carnitine is usually a safe medicine, however, it may cause nausea, vomiting, and reactions at the site of injection such as swelling, redness, and pain. Your doctor may monitor your blood glucose levels regularly while you are taking the medicine.
Before starting the medicine, inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or are taking any other medications. Patients with severe kidney disease should not take this medicine unless prescribed by the doctor.
Uses of Levo-carnitine
- Carnitine deficiency
Benefits of Levo-carnitine
Carnitine deficiency
Carnitine deficiency can lead to many problems such as muscle weakness,
fatigue, problems with heart (such as heart enlargement), liver or brain
(encephalopathy), confusion etc. Levo-carnitine contains amino acids that are very
important for the normal growth and development of the internal organs,
muscles and nerves. It helps to maintain normal functioning of the internal
organs and maintains nerve conduction too. It has a major role in the
generation of energy in our body, regulation of mood, healing and repair of
damaged tissues and keeping our skin, nails and hair healthy.
Side effects of Levo-carnitine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Vitzia
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Levo-carnitine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Levo-carnitine works
Levocarnitine belongs to the class of medications called as amino acid derivative. It works by improving the low levels of carnitine in the body.
Quick tips
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly during levocarnitine treatment.
- Do not take this drug if you are allergic to levocarnitine or any of its ingredients.
Safety Advice
PregnancySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Levo-carnitine if I’m pregnant?
Levo-carnitine is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
BreastfeedingSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Levo-carnitine if I’m breastfeeding?
Levo-carnitine is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Levo-carnitine safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Levo-carnitine. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Levo-carnitine?
Levo-carnitine does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Levo-carnitine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Levo-carnitine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Levo-carnitine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Levo-carnitine if I have/had liver diseases?
Levo-carnitine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Levo-carnitine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Levo-carnitine a steroid?
Levo-carnitine is not a steroid. It contains Levo-carnitine which is a type of protein (made from the amino acids lysine and methionine). It helps in transporting fats to the cells, where fats get metabolized in order to produce energy. It is used to treat primary and secondary Levo-carnitine deficiency.
Q. When can a carnitine deficiency occur?
Carnitine deficiency may be of two types, primary and secondary. Primary is genetic and may show symptoms by five years of age. Whereas, secondary may occur due to certain disorders like kidney problems (chronic kidney failure) and use of antibiotics that reduces its absorption and increases its excretion.
Q. Does warfarin have any effect on Levo-carnitine?
In some patients, warfarin when taken along with Levo-carnitine may increase the time required for the formation of blood clot. Hence, before starting Levo-carnitine, inform your doctor if you are taking warfarin.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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