Levocarnitine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 6, 2022.

Levocarnitine is also known as: Carnitor, Carnitor SF, L-Carnitine

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.

See references

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 references

Further information

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