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Levocarnitine: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Levocarnitine is indicated for conditions related to carnitine deficiency.
About Levocarnitine
Indications of Levocarnitine
Levocarnitine is indicated for conditions related to carnitine deficiency. Its uses are classified below by strength of evidence.
Established / Approved Uses
- Primary systemic carnitine deficiency: Levocarnitine is used for long-term treatment of this genetic disorder of carnitine transport.
- Secondary carnitine deficiency due to inborn errors of metabolism: Levocarnitine is used as adjunct therapy in confirmed inborn errors of intermediary metabolism that result in secondary carnitine deficiency.
- Prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance haemodialysis: the intravenous form of Levocarnitine is specifically approved for this indication, since dialysis removes carnitine from the blood.
Adjunct / Off-label Uses (evidence-supported but not primary approved indications)
- Adjunct management of valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia or hepatotoxicity, used together with standard supportive care.
- Adjunct treatment of male infertility associated with asthenozoospermia (reduced sperm motility), used in combination with other fertility management.
- Adjunct use in diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptom management (evidence limited, mainly with acetyl-L-carnitine).
Levocarnitine should be used for these adjunct or off-label purposes only under a physician's guidance, as evidence is more limited than for the approved indications.
Dosage & Administration of Levocarnitine
Dosage of Levocarnitine is individualized according to the indication, patient age, body weight, and clinical response. General guidance is summarized below; a physician's specific prescription should always be followed.
| Indication | Typical Adult Dose | Typical Pediatric Dose |
|---|---|---|
| Primary carnitine deficiency (oral) | 990 mg to 3 g of Levocarnitine per day, in 2-3 divided doses | 50-100 mg/kg/day of Levocarnitine in divided doses, up to a maximum of 3 g/day |
| Acute metabolic crisis (IV) | Loading dose of about 50 mg/kg of Levocarnitine by slow IV infusion, followed by 50 mg/kg/day of Levocarnitine in divided doses | Similar weight-based dosing under specialist supervision |
| Carnitine deficiency in dialysis patients (IV) | 10-20 mg/kg of Levocarnitine (based on dry body weight) given intravenously after each haemodialysis session | Not routinely established; individualized by nephrologist |
Oral Levocarnitine may be taken with or without food; taking it with food may reduce a fishy body odor some patients notice. Intravenous Levocarnitine must be administered by slow infusion as directed by a healthcare professional; do not administer by rapid IV push.
Side Effects of Levocarnitine
Levocarnitine is generally well tolerated. Reported side effects include:
Common
- Transient nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Unusual or "fishy" body odor
Uncommon / Rare
- New-onset seizures or increased seizure frequency in patients with or without a prior seizure disorder (see Precautions and Warnings)
- With intravenous Levocarnitine: rare hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid-type reactions, transient hypertension or hypotension, and fever have been reported, mainly in dialysis patients
Contraindications of Levocarnitine
Levocarnitine is contraindicated only in patients with known hypersensitivity to Levocarnitine or to any excipient in the specific formulation used. There are no other well-established absolute contraindications to Levocarnitine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Levocarnitine
What is Levocarnitine used for?
Levocarnitine is used to treat primary carnitine deficiency, secondary carnitine deficiency caused by certain metabolic disorders, and carnitine deficiency in patients on long-term dialysis. It is sometimes used as an adjunct in other conditions under specialist guidance.
Can I take Levocarnitine without a doctor's prescription?
No. Although Levocarnitine is a naturally occurring nutrient, the medicinal doses used to treat deficiency states should only be taken under a physician's supervision, since the correct dose and duration depend on your specific diagnosis.
Why does Levocarnitine cause a fishy body odor?
A fishy body odor is a known, generally harmless side effect of Levocarnitine caused by a metabolite called trimethylamine. Taking Levocarnitine with food may help reduce this effect.
Is Levocarnitine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Levocarnitine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the expected benefit outweighs any potential risk to the baby, and only small amounts pass into breast milk; a nursing mother should consult her physician before using Levocarnitine.
Who should not take Levocarnitine?
Levocarnitine should not be used by anyone with a known hypersensitivity (allergy) to Levocarnitine or to any ingredient in the specific product. There are no other well-established absolute contraindications.
What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Levocarnitine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to your next dose; do not double the dose. If you suspect you have taken too much Levocarnitine, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center, especially if you notice severe diarrhea or other unusual symptoms.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.