Carnitine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 18, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Aminocarnitine
• B Factor
• Carnitina
• Carnitor
• D-Carnitine
• DL-Carnitine
• Karnitin
• L-Carnitine
• L-Carnitine Fumarate
• L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
• L-Carnitine Tartrate
• Levocarnitine
• Levocarnitine Fumurate
• ST-198
• Vitacarn
• Vitamin B
• Vitamine B

What is this product used for?

Carnitine is used to help keep blood levels normal in people who have carnitine problems. It may also be useful in patients with depression when other medicines have not worked. Carnitine taken along with some medications for high blood sugar may help improve diabetes.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with other drugs or natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this natural product.

• This product may not work as well if you are taking drugs for seizures. These are drugs like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or valproic acid.

• This product may not work as well if you are taking the antibiotic pivampicillin.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Blood sugar problems

  • Heart disease

  • Blood vessel problems

  • Cholesterol problems

  • Kidney problems

  • Seizures

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Stomach cramps

• Fishy odor in urine, breath, and sweat

When do I need to call the doctor?

• Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; fever; rash; hives; itching, discolored, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.

• Signs of low blood sugar. These include hunger, dizziness, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad loose stools

• Trouble sleeping or nervousness

• Muscle weakness

• Seizures

Last Reviewed Date

2023-05-24

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms

Copyright

Copyright © 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer