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Levocarnitine Coupon - Levocarnitine 330mg tablet

levocarnitine

Generic Carnitor
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).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Dalga Surofchy, PharmD, APh
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on May 17, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

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 BrandsCarnitor, Carnitor SF
Drug ClassDietary supplement
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription or over-the-counter
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Avg retail price
$102.94(save 76.83%)
GoodRx discount
$23.85
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What are the 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

Other Side Effects

  • Body odor

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reaction: rash, hives, facial swelling
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following 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

High blood pressure

Less common

Fast heartbeat

fever

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:

More common

Abdominal or stomach cramps

diarrhea

headache

nausea or vomiting

Less common

Abdominal discomfort

body odor

depression

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.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Levocarnitine (Carnitor)

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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

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause nausea and diarrhea

Need to take multiple times a day

Large doses might cause an unpleasant body odor

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Levocarnitine (Carnitor)

pharmacist

  • 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.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Levocarnitine (Carnitor)

            What is levocarnitine (Carnitor) used for?
            Prescription levocarnitine (Carnitor) is used to treat carnitine deficiency, or low levels of carnitine. Carnitine is found in many foods and also naturally produced by your body. It helps the body turn food into energy that's important for your brain, muscles, and heart to work properly.
            What causes carnitine deficiency?
            Low levels of carnitine can be caused by a few different conditions. Some people are born with a rare genetic condition called systemic primary carnitine deficiency (CDSP) where their bodies don't make enough carnitine to help them turn fats from food into energy. Other people don't have enough carnitine in their body because of poor nutrition or certain health conditions, such as kidney or liver problems. This is called secondary carnitine deficiency.
            What foods naturally contain carnitine?
            Fish, milk, and red meat are some of the best dietary sources of carnitine. Many people who don't eat these products, such as vegetarians or vegans, still produce enough carnitine naturally in their bodies and absorb it from the other proteins they eat (e.g., avocados, beans). Carnitine deficiency isn't common and is more likely to affect people with severe liver or kidney problems.
            Is l-carnitine the same as levocarnitine (Carnitor)?
            The "l-" in l-carnitine stands for "levo-." So l-carnitine is the same as levocarnitine. But keep in mind that there are both prescription and OTC versions of levocarnitine. Only prescription levocarnitine (Carnitor) are FDA-approved to treat medical conditions related to having low carnitine levels. OTC levocarnitine are considered dietary supplements and they're not regulated in the same way by the FDA.
            Can you crush levocarnitine (Carnitor) tablets?
            The manufacturer of levocarnitine (Carnitor) doesn't say whether the tablets can be crushed or not. If you or your infant are having trouble swallowing levocarnitine (Carnitor) tablets, ask your provider about switching you to the oral liquid, which can be mixed with a drink or liquid food (e.g., smoothie).
            Is levocarnitine (Carnitor) available as a generic?
            Yes. All forms of levocarnitine (Carnitor) are available as generics in the United States. If you're not sure about which form of levocarnitine (Carnitor) to use, ask your provider or pharmacist for guidance.
            Is levocarnitine (Carnitor) safe during pregnancy?
            There's not enough data to say whether levocarnitine (Carnitor) is safe to use in human pregnancy. Because of this, have a conversation with your provider first about the risks and benefits of taking levocarnitine (Carnitor) if your carnitine levels are low during pregnancy.
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            What are the 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.

            risk-warning

            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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              dosage

              Levocarnitine (Carnitor) dosage forms

              The average cost for 90 tablets of 330mg of Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is $31.01 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 69.88% off the average retail price of $102.94.
              ml of oral solution
              Ml of oral solution
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              1g/10ml180 ml$23.85$0.13
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              330mg90 tablets$31.01$0.34

              Typical dosing for Levocarnitine (Carnitor)

              Tablets

              • Adults: The typical dose is to take 990 mg by mouth two to three times a day.

              • Infants and children: Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical dose ranges from 50 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight by mouth daily, split into smaller doses and given throughout the day. The maximum daily dose is 3 grams.

              Oral liquid
              Each 10 mL of solution contains 10 grams of levocarnitine.

              • Adults: The typical dose is to take 10 mL to 30 mL by mouth daily, evenly split into smaller doses and taken every 3 to 4 hours.

              • Infants and children (dose based on weight): Your child's provider will determine your child's dose based on their body weight. The typical starting dose is a total of 0.5 mL/kg of body weight by mouth daily (maximum 30 mL daily), evenly split into smaller doses and taken every 3 to 4 hours.

              Levocarnitine (Carnitor) is also available as an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion that's administered by a healthcare provider in a hospital setting.

              interactions

              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.

              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.

              drug-cost

              How much does Levocarnitine (Carnitor) cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Carnitor (brand)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $23.85

              (save 81.57%)
              Levocarnitine (Carnitor) (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $23.85

              (save 76.83%)
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              images

              Levocarnitine (Carnitor) images

              White Round Lc 77 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Lc 77".White Round Lc 77 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet
              White Round Cor 160 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Cor 160".White Round Cor 160 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet
              White Round N492 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet
              This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "N492".White Round N492 - Levocarnitine 330mg Tablet

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Akorn. (2022). LEVOCARNITINE tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Spoons are for soup, milliliters are for medicine.

              Dahash, B. A., et al. (2022). Carnitine deficiency. StatPearls.

              View All References (6)

              Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. (2022). CARNITOR- levocarnitine injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2015). Systemic primary carnitine deficiency.

              Novitium Pharma LLC. (2022). LEVOCARNITINE - levocarnitine oral solution solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Office of Dietary Supplements. (2023). Carnitine. National Institutes of Health.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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