L-CARNITINE

Drug Name: L-CARNITINE

L-CARNITINE DESCRIPTION:
LEVOCARNITINE - ORAL (lee-voh-KAR-nih-teen)

COMMON L-CARNITINE BRAND NAME(S):
Carnitor

L-CARNITINE SIDE EFFECTS:
L-CARNITINE is generally well tolerated. It may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, diarrhea, body odor or muscle weakness. If any of these symptoms continues or becomes bothersome, consult your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE L-CARNITINE:
L-CARNITINE: Take L-CARNITINE as directed. Do not skip any doses or take this more often than prescribed. The liquid form may be taken alone or dissolved in a drink. Drink it slowly to prevent stomach upset. Doses should be spaced evenly every 3 to 4 hours as directed. This is best taken with or after meals. Tablets or capsules should be taken at evenly spaced intervals. If stomach upset occurs, take each dose with food.

L-CARNITINE USES:
Also known as L-carnitine, this is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative required by the body in energy metabolism and for proper use of fats. L-CARNITINE is used as a dietary supplement to treat carnitine deficiency. It may also be used in persons with abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns.

L-CARNITINE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of epilepsy and any allergies you may have. L-CARNITINE should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Consult your doctor before using any medication while breast-feeding.

L-CARNITINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

L-CARNITINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

L-CARNITINE NOTES:
There is a product sold in health food stores called vitamin Bt. It contains a MIXTURE of D-carnitine and L-carnitine. This is NOT the same as L-carnitine and can cause you problems. Be sure to take L-carnitine ONLY.

MISSED L-CARNITINE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

L-CARNITINE STORAGE:
Store L-CARNITINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.