Side effect(s) of Levocarnitine

Last Updated on Apr 22, 2023

Review the side-effects of Levocarnitine as documented in medical literature. The term "side effects" refers to unintended effects that can occur as a result of taking the medication. In majority of the instances these side-effects are mild and easily tolerable, however sometimes they can be more severe and can be detrimental.

If the side effects are not tolerable adjusting the dosage or switching to a different medication can help to manage or overcome side effects. If you have any doubts or questions, we recommend seeking advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

  GI Tract - Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation

  Central nervous system - Headache, dizziness, paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), taste perversion, seizures

  Cardio vascular system - Fluctuations in blood pressure, palpitations, atrial fibrillation and abnormal ECG

  Musculoskeletal - Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle)

  Metabolic - Hypertriglyceridemia associated with high doses in dialysis patients, hypercalcemia (high blood calcium levels), hypervolemia

  Respiratory - Increase in cough frequency, pharyngitis and breathlessness

  Allergic reaction: Rashes, itching. A serious allergic reaction may rarely occur

  Others - Depression, fishy body odor, fever

Other Precautions :

• Avoid excess dose.

Drug Name : Levocarnitine

Levocarnitine generic Levocarnitine is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in: • Primary carnitine deficiency, where the cause of the deficiency is not known • Secondary carnitine deficiency, due to inborn errors of metabolism like medium chain fatty acylCoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Other patients who may also suffer from carnitine deficiency and may benefit from levocarnitine treatment include: • Patients on dialysis with kidney diseaseThe oral form should not be used in these patients. • Individuals who take certain medicines such as zidovudine and valproic acid. Levocarnitine is a naturally occurring substance that plays a role in the breakdown of long-chain fatty acids. This process provides energy to the body and also helps to get rid of the excess fats which could be harmful.