L-Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
Overview of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is amino acid derivative. It occurs naturally as an essential co-factor of fatty acid metabolism, which is synthesized endogenously or obtained from dietary source. Chemically L-Carnitine is identified as 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium hydoxide. L-Carnitine is involved in energy metabolism. L-Carnitine is used to treat carnitine deficiency. L-Carnitine is also used in persons with abnormal plasma lipoprotein patterns. L-Carnitine is administered orally and intravenously.
Indication of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is primarily indicated in conditions like Myopathic carnitine deficiency, Primary carnitine deficiency, Secondary carnitine deficiency, Systemic carnitine deficiency, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Myocardial ischaemia, Skeletal muscle ischemia, Valproate-induced hepatotoxicity.
Contraindication of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is contraindicated in conditions like Hypersensitivity.
Side Effects of L-Carnitine
The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by L-Carnitine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal cramps, Drug-related body odor.
Precautions of L-Carnitine
L-carnitine should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or lactation. It should be used with caution in patients with any pre-existing illness or allergy. Pateints with severe renal impairment should not be given high oral doses of levo carnitine.