levocarnitine (with sucrose) Oral
Generic Name: LEVOCARNITINE - ORALPronounced: (lee-voh-KAR-nih-teen)
levocarnitine (with sucrose) Oral Uses
This medication is a diet supplement used to prevent and treat low blood levels of carnitine. Carnitine is a substance made in the body from meat and dairy products. It helps the body use certain chemicals (long-chain fatty acids) for energy and to keep you in good health. Low blood levels of carnitine may occur in people whose bodies cannot properly use carnitine from their diets, people on dialysis due to serious kidney disease, and people being treated with certain drugs (e.g., valproic acid, zidovudine). Carnitine levels that are too low can cause liver, heart, and muscle problems.
Carnitine comes in 2 forms, this medication (levocarnitine) and D-carnitine. An over-the-counter product called vitamin Bt contains a mixture of levocarnitine and D-carnitine. Vitamin Bt should not be used to treat serious carnitine deficiency since it can interfere with the body's use of levocarnitine. Do not use levocarnitine to treat serious carnitine deficiency unless prescribed by your doctor.
The form of levocarnitine taken by mouth is not recommended for treating people on dialysis due to serious kidney disease. The injectable form should be used for this treatment. Consult your doctor for details.
How To Use levocarnitine (with sucrose) Oral
If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.
This medication is best taken with or just after meals to lessen stomach upset. If you are taking more than 1 dose a day, take the doses at evenly spaced times throughout the day (usually at least 3 to 4 hours apart).
If you are taking the liquid form, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon. The liquid form may be taken alone or mixed in a drink or other liquid food. Drink your dose slowly to prevent stomach upset.
