How Long Does Xyzal Take to Work? Plus, 5 More Xyzal FAQs
Xyzal is an antihistamine that can start working within an hour. However, its effectiveness depends on several factors. Learn more with these FAQs from GoodRx.
levocarnitine
Used for Carnitine Deficiency
Used for Carnitine Deficiency
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is a prescription medication used to treat low carnitine levels (carnitine deficiency), a condition where your body isn't able to turn fat from food into energy. It's available as a tablet or oral solution that's taken by mouth multiple times a day. Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
Levocarnitine is also available over-the-counter as a supplement. The OTC version is more commonly known as l-carnitine and it isn't FDA-approved to treat the same conditions as prescription levocarnitine (Carnitor).
What is Levocarnitine (Carnitor)?
What is Levocarnitine (Carnitor) used for?
- Low carnitine levels (caused by genetics or other medical conditions)
How Levocarnitine (Carnitor) works
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) supplements the body with carnitine, a natural substance that helps turn the fats we eat into energy. Without carnitine, your body can't make energy properly for your heart and muscles, and this will damage these muscles.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Carnitor, Carnitor SF |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Dietary supplement |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
Side effects of Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
Less Common Side Effects
- Body odor
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives, facial swelling
- Seizures
The following Levocarnitine (Carnitor) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:
More common
Rare
Seizures
Some side effects 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:
Less common
Abdominal discomfort
body odor
dizziness
impaired vision
loss of appetite or weight
swelling in hands, lower legs, and feet
tingling sensation
weakness
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$98.16
GoodRx discount
$31.01
Pros and cons of Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
Pros
- Can be taken by infants and young children
- Available as a tablet, oral liquid, and IV infusion
- Sugar-free liquid available for people with diabetes
Cons
- Can cause nausea and diarrhea
- Need to take multiple times a day
- Large doses might cause an unpleasant body odor
Pharmacist tips for Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
- Levocarnitine (Carnitor) can cause nausea and vomiting right after you take it. Let your provider know if these side effects are severe or bothersome for you. They can ease your side effects by lowering your dose of levocarnitine (Carnitor) or splitting your dose into smaller doses to be taken throughout the day.
- If you're using the oral liquid form of levocarnitine (Carnitor), be sure to use a medication dose cup, spoon, or syringe to measure out your dose. Using household teaspoons might cause you to take the wrong amount of levocarnitine (Carnitor).
- If you're taking the oral liquid form of levocarnitine (Carnitor) and have a hard time swallowing it because of the taste, let your provider know. They can recommend for you to mix your dose with other beverages or liquid food to ease the taste.
- Your provider might order blood tests to see how well levocarnitine (Carnitor) is working for you. Your provider might adjust your dose of the medication depending on the results of your blood tests.
- Levocarnitine (Carnitor) can affect how warfarin (Coumadin) works in your body. Make sure your provider knows if you also take warfarin (Coumadin) before you begin taking this medication. You might need to have your international normalized ratio (INR) checked more often to see if your dose of warfarin (Coumadin) is safe for you.
Risks and warnings for Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Severe allergic reactions to levocarnitine (Carnitor) are possible, including life-threatening problems like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Call 911 if this happens. If you notice hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using levocarnitine (Carnitor), call your healthcare provider right away.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking other medications that raise your risk of having a seizure
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) raises your risk of having seizures, especially if you have a history of seizures or a seizure condition like epilepsy. There are many other medications that can also raise your risk of seizures, so be sure to discuss all medications you take with both your provider and your pharmacist before starting levocarnitine (Carnitor). If you do experience a seizure at any point while taking this medication, let your provider know right away.
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) dosage
The average cost for 90 tablets of 330mg of Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is $31.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 68.41% off the average retail price of $98.16.
Interactions between Levocarnitine (Carnitor) and other drugs
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Levocarnitine (Carnitor). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Acenocoumarol
- Warfarin
How much does Levocarnitine (Carnitor) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
News about Levocarnitine (Carnitor)
Levocarnitine (Carnitor) images
