L-Carnitine Side Effects

Generic name: levocarnitine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 22, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about L-Carnitine.

Applies to levocarnitine: capsule, capsule liquid filled, solution, tablet Side Effects associated with levocarnitine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name L-Carnitine.

Applies to levocarnitine: capsule, capsule liquid filled, solution, tablet.

Precautions

Do not change brands or dosage forms of levocarnitine (the active ingredient contained in L-Carnitine) without first checking with your doctor. Different products may not work in the same way. If you refill your medicine and it looks different, check with your pharmacist.

Serious side effects of L-Carnitine

Along with its needed effects, levocarnitine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking levocarnitine:

Other side effects of L-Carnitine

Some side effects of levocarnitine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levocarnitine: injectable solution, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (35%), abdominal pain (21%), vomiting (21%), nausea (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorder, melena
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abdominal cramps^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (37%), dizziness (18%), paresthesia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertonia, vertigo, taste perversion
• Frequency not reported: Seizures (with or without pre-existing seizure activity), increase in seizure frequency and/or severity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypercalcemia (15%), hypervolemia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, hyperkalemia^[Ref]

There are reports from clinical trials of significant hypertriglyceridemia associated with high doses of levocarnitine (3 g/day) given to uremic dialysis patients.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pain (35%), flu syndrome (29%), chest pain (15%), accidental injury (12%), asthenia (12%), fever (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, weight decrease, weight increase
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Body odor, International Normalized Ratio (INR) increased^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site reaction (38%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects, in chronic hemodialysis patients, for levocarnitine (the active ingredient contained in L-Carnitine) in relation to placebo therapy have included asthenia (8% to 12% vs 8%) and leg cramps (4% to 8% vs 13%). Mild myasthenia has occurred in uremic patients receiving D,L-carnitine (but not levocarnitine).^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (12%)^[Ref]

There have been reports from clinical trials of significant increases in platelet aggregation associated with high doses of levocarnitine (3 g/day) given to hemodialysis patients.^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Kidney failure (chronic hemodialysis patients)^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Parathyroid disorder^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pharyngitis (27%), cough increase (18%), dyspnea (11%), rhinitis (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, sinusitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia, eye disorder^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (21%), hypotension (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, cardiovascular disorder, electrocardiogram abnormal, palpitations, tachycardia, vascular disorder^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, drug dependence, insomnia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (24%)^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

L-Carnitine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer