Levo-carnitine

Primarily Levo-carnitine is used to treat primary systemic carnitine deficiency; acute and chronic treatment of patients with an inborn error of metabolism which results in secondary carnitine deficiency.

Levo-carnitine essentially controls the levels of levocarnitine, in patients who suffer from problems with metabolism. The drug may also be prescribed in the treatment of other health issues as per the doctor’s decision.

Known to be an amino acid derivative, Levo-carnitine adds to the levels of levocarnitine in the body, when it is unable to produce sufficient quantities.

I.V. Acute and chronic treatment of patients with an inborn error of metabolism which results in secondary carnitine deficiency is also treated with Levo-carnitine. This medicine is also used for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in patients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing hemodialysis.

The patient’s medical history should be taken before the drug is prescribed. In this case, inform your doctor is you have any kidney or liver issues, or are allergic to any component present in Levo-carnitine. Inform him if you are on any prescribed or over the counter medicines or taking herbal and dietary supplements.

Pregnant women, those trying to have a baby and breast feeding mothers should consult their doctor before they start Levo-carnitine.

The drug can be taken either before a meal or even after. Each dosage should be evenly spaced out and taken on time. Avoid missing a dose as much as possible. In case you do miss one dose, taken it immediately when you remember.

All drug cause some minor as well as major side effects and Levo-carnitine is no exception. Some minor side effects that you may experience because of Levo-carnitine are cramp in the stomach and abdomen, nausea, headache and diarrhea. Major side effects that may occur are development of hypertension, fever, seizures and irregular heartbeat.

Plasma concentrations should be obtained prior to beginning parenteral therapy, and should be monitored weekly to monthly. In metabolic disorders: monitor blood chemistry, vital signs, and plasma carnitine levels (maintain between 35-60 mmol/L).

In ESRD patients on dialysis: Plasma levels below the normal range should prompt initiation of therapy. Monitor predialysis (trough) plasma carnitine levels.

The oral solution should be consumed slowly and spaced evenly throughout the day to improve tolerance. Although supplemental carnitine has been shown to increase carnitine concentrations, effects on the signs and symptoms of carnitine deficiency have not been determined.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Hypertension

• Peripheral Edema

• Hypercalcemia

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal Pain

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Weakness

• Allergic Reaction

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  Complete td tablet may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  Complete td tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
  Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Complete td tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Hyperkalemia may occur in patients with hepatic or renal impairment

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  This medicine will remain active for about 17.4 hours.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medicine is initiated within 1 - 3 hours after its intake.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose. Usually, no reports of overdose and it is easily removed by dialysis.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levo-carnitine as ingredient

• Levine Tablet

  Zyris Derma Care (P) Ltd

• Druvit 500Mg Tablet

  Druto Laboratories

• Progenix Tablet

  Nutri Synapzz Therapeutis Pvt Ltd

• Complete Td Tablet

  Ordain Health Care Global Pvt Ltd

• Trinerve Lc Tablet

  Alkem Laboratories Ltd

• Levocarnil 500Mg Tablet

  Modi Mundi Pharma Pvt Ltd

• Elkar 500Mg Tablet

  Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

• Carni-Q Tablet

  TTK Healthcare Ltd

• Liv Daily Capsule

  Real Care Life Sciences

• Oxyasta Tablet

  Galaxy Biotech

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Levo-carnitine is basically a supplement used for treating low level of carnitine in the blood. Carnitine is required by the body for energy and keeping the body in good health. People with kidney dialysis may have inadequate carnitine in the blood which might result liver, heart and muscle problems.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Internal Medicine Specialist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Medicine

  Concomitant use of Levo-carnitine along with Valproic acid, sodium benzoate must be avoided.

• Interaction with Disease

  Caution in patients with seizure disorders or in those at risk of seizures (CNS mass or medications which may lower seizure threshold). Both new-onset seizure activity as well as an increased frequency of seizures has been observed.

• Ques : What is Levo-carnitine?

  Ans : Levocarnitine belongs to the class of medications called amino acid derivative.

• Ques : What is Levo-carnitine used for?

  Ans : Levo-carnitine essentially controls the levels of levocarnitine, in patients who suffer from problems with metabolism. The drug may also be prescribed in the treatment of other health issues as per the doctor’s decision.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Levo-carnitine before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Levo-carnitine?

  Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

• Ques : Should I use Levo-carnitine empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Levo-carnitine?

  Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

• Ques : How long does Levo-carnitine take to work?

  Ans : Usually, Levo-carnitine starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

• Ques : What if I don't get better after using Levo-carnitine?

  Ans : Inform your doctor if you don't feel better after finishing the full course of treatment. Also, inform him if your symptoms are getting worse while using this medicine.

• Ques : Does warfarin have any effect on Levo-carnitine?

  Ans : 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.

• Ques : Is Levo-carnitine a steroid?

  Ans : Levo-carnitine is not a steroid. It contains Levo-carnitine which is a type of protein (made from the amino acids lysine and methionine).

• Levocarnitine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/levocarnitine

• Levocarnitine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00583

• LEVOCARNITINE tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 18 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=LEVOCARNITINE