levocarnitine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum 

levocarnitine acts as a co-factor in facilitating the transfer of long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane, allowing for beta-oxidation and subsequent conversion to ATP. This drug also helps to remove excess acyl groups from the cytoplasm, preventing the accumulation of toxic intermediates. 

The spectrum of levocarnitine includes its use in treating various metabolic disorders, such as carnitine deficiency, primary systemic carnitine deficiency, and secondary carnitine deficiency due to renal disease or hemodialysis. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Peripheral edema 

Palpitation 

Vomiting 

Hypertension 

Dizziness 

Headache 

Hypercalcemia 

Paresthesia 

GI distress 

Mild myasthenia in patients with uremia 

Fever 

Anemia 

Cough 

Tachycardia 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

Increased risk of seizures

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:   

Hypersensitivity: The drug should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to the supplement.  

Renal impairment: The drug should be used with caution in individuals with renal impairment, as it may increase the risk of seizures.  

Thyroid disease: The drug is contraindicated in this condition.  

Peripheral vascular disease: The drug is contraindicated in this condition.  

Seizure disorders: The drug is contraindicated in this condition.  

Hemodialysis: The drug is contraindicated in this condition. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:

l-carnitine, or levocarnitine, is a derivative of amino acid that is essential in cellular energy production. It acts as a crucial cofactor in the transportation of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are metabolized to generate energy. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

 The pharmacodynamics of levocarnitine involve its ability to enhance energy production, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve glucose metabolism. These effects make it a potentially useful therapeutic agent for a variety of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

 The drug is rapidly and efficiently absorbed from the small intestine, with approximately 14-18% of an oral dose being absorbed intact.  

Distribution 

This medication is extensively distributed throughout the body, with the most significant amounts located in organs such as the skeletal muscles, heart, liver, and kidneys. 

Metabolism 

 The metabolism of drug take place in liver and kidneys. It is converted into several metabolites, including acetyl-L-carnitine and propionyl-L-carnitine. These metabolites have different biological functions and are involved in various metabolic pathways.  

Excretion and elimination 

The drug and its metabolites are primarily excreted in the urine, with approximately 95% of an oral dose being excreted unchanged. A small amount of levocarnitine is also excreted in the feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Dosage: It is typically taken orally in the form of a tablet or solution. 

Duration: The duration of treatment with this drug may vary depending on the underlying condition being treated.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: levocarnitine 

Why do we use levocarnitine?  

levocarnitine is commonly used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent carnitine deficiency, which can occur in individuals with certain genetic disorders or those who have impaired absorption or utilization of dietary carnitine.