L-Carnitine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 1, 2024.

What are other common names?

• Acetyl Carnitine
• Acetyl l Carnitine
• Acetyl L-Carnitine Hydrochloride
• Acetyl-l-Carnitine
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate HCl
• Acetyl-L-Carnitine HCl
• Acetyl-Levocarnitine
• Acetylcarnitine
• ALC
• ALCAR
• Aminocarnitine
• B Factor
• Bicarnesine
• Carnitine
• Carnitine Acetyl Ester
• Carnitine, Acetyl-L
• Carnitor
• Gamma-Trimethyl-Beta-Acetylbutyrobetaine
• L Carnitine
• L-3-hydroxytrimethylaminobutanoate
• L-Acetylcarnitine
• L-beta-hydroxy-γ-trimethyl-amino-butyric acid
• L-Carnitine
• L-Carnitine Fumarate
• L-Carnitine Tartrate
• LC
• Levacecarnine
• Levocarnitine
• N-Acetyl-Carnitine
• N-Acetyl-Carnitine Hydrochloride
• N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine
• PLC
• Propionyl-L-carnitine
• ST-198
• ST-200
• Vitacarn
• Vitamin B(t) Acetate
• Vitamin BT
• γ-trimethyl-beta-acetyl-butyrobetaine

What is this product used for?

L-carnitine is also known as levocarnitine. It may help some people with high blood sugar to lower their blood sugar, cholesterol, and nerve pain, such as tingling in their hands and feet. It may also help stop cell damage, improve appetite, and increase energy levels. It is sometimes used to improve mood. L-carnitine may help with migraine headaches and may help improve symptoms of COVID-19 in some people. It may be used in some people with blood vessel problems in their legs to help them walk better and to walk with less pain. L-carnitine may also help people with low carnitine levels to have a more normal level in their blood.

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 drugs or other natural products.

• Do not take high doses of this product. This may increase the risk of heart problems and death.

• 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.

• 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:

  • Heart or blood vessel disease

  • Kidney problems

  • Diabetes

  • Seizures

  • Cancer

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Stomach cramps

• Body odor, breath, or urine smells like fish

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.

• Signs of having a seizure. These include decreased awareness, confusion, changes in emotions, or abnormal movements.

• Very bad throwing up

• Very bad belly pain

• Very bad loose stools

• Trouble sleeping or nervousness

• Muscle weakness

• Seizures

Last Reviewed Date

2024-10-23

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