Levocarnitine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
Brand names: Carnitor, Carnitor SF, L-Carnitine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 12, 2024.
Levocarnitine Pregnancy Warnings
Use is not recommended unless clearly needed.
US FDA pregnancy category: B
Comments:
-Stopping treatment in a pregnant woman with primary systemic carnitine deficiency may carry serious consequences; the risk of stopping treatment may outweigh the theoretical risks to the fetus of continuing.
Animal studies showed no evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm, however at 600 mg/kg daily there was a statistically insignificant increase in post implantation losses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Levocarnitine Breastfeeding Warnings
Benefit should outweigh risk.
Excreted into human milk: Data not available
Excreted into animal milk: Yes
Comments:
-Levocarnitine is a normal component of human milk.
-Levocarnitine concentration in milk is increased in dairy cows after exogenous administration.
-The risks to the infant from excess carnitine intake should be weighed against the benefits of supplementation to the mother.
See also
References for pregnancy information
- Product Information. Carnitor (levocarnitine). Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
- Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Product Information. LevOCARNitine (levOCARNitine). Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company Inc. 2022.
References for breastfeeding information
- Product Information. Carnitor (levocarnitine). Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals. 2001;PROD.
- Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.
- Product Information. LevOCARNitine (levOCARNitine). Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company Inc. 2022.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
