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Levocarnitine is a naturally occurring substance required in mammalian energy metabolism. It has been shown to facilitate long-chain fatty acid entry into cellular mitochondria, thereby delivering substrate for oxidation and subsequent energy production. Fatty acids are utilized as an energy substrate in all tissues except the brain. In skeletal and cardiac muscle, fatty acids are the main substrate for energy production.
Levocarnitine is indicated in-
Levocarnitine tablet-
Levocarnitine solution (For oral use only. Not for parenteral use)-
Note: Levocarnitine 100 ml solution may be consumed alone or dissolved in drink or other liquid food. Doses should be spaced evenly throughout the day preferably during or following meals and should be consumed slowly in order to maximize tolerance.
Generally, Levocarnitine is well tolerated. However, few side effects including transient nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhoea may occur.
Overdose Effects
There have been no reports of toxicity from levocarnitine overdosage.
Gastrointestinal reactions may result from a too rapid consumption of Levocarnitine. The safety and efficacy of oral levocarnitine has not been evaluated in patients with renal insufficiency. Chronic administration of high doses of oral levocarnitine in patients with severely compromised renal function or in ESRD patients on dialysis may result in accumulation of the potentially toxic metabolites, trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine-N oxide (TMAO), since these metabolites are normally excreted in the urine.
Pregnancy & Lactation
There is no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Levocarnitine supplementation in nursing mothers has not been specifically studied. In nursing mothers receiving levocarnitine, any risks to the child of excess carnitine intake need to be weighed against the benefits of levocarnitine supplementation to the mother. Consideration may be given to discontinuation of nursing or of levocarnitine treatment.