Carnitor
Carnitor - General Information
Constituent of striated muscle and liver. It is used therapeutically to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions and in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemias.
Pharmacology of Carnitor
Levocarnitine is a carrier molecule in the transport of long chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It also exports acyl groups from subcellular organelles and from cells to urine before they accumulate to toxic concentrations. Lack of carnitine can lead to liver, heart, and muscle problems. Carnitine deficiency is defined biochemically as abnormally low plasma concentrations of free carnitine, less than 20 µmol/L at one week post term and may be associated with low tissue and/or urine concentrations. Further, this condition may be associated with a plasma concentration ratio of acylcarnitine/levocarnitine greater than 0.4 or abnormally elevated concentrations of acylcarnitine in the urine. Only the L isomer of carnitine (sometimes called vitamin BT) affects lipid metabolism. The "vitamin BT" form actually contains D,L-carnitine, which competitively inhibits levocarnitine and can cause deficiency. Levocarnitine can be used therapeutically to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions and in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemias.
Carnitor for patients
Carnitor Interactions
Interacts with valproic acid
Carnitor Contraindications
None known.
Additional information about Carnitor
Carnitor Indication: For treatment of primary systemic carnitine deficiency, a genetic impairment of normal biosynthesis or utilization of levocarnitine from dietary sources, or for the treatment of secondary carnitine deficiency resulting from an inborn error of metabolism such as glutaric aciduria II, methyl malonic aciduria, propionic acidemia, and medium chain fatty acylCoA dehydrogenase deficiency. Used therapeutically to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions and in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemias. Parenteral levocarnitine is indicated for the prevention and treatment of carnitine deficiency in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Mechanism Of Action: Levocarnitine can be synthesised within the body from the amino acids lysine or methionine. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential to the synthesis of carnitine. Levocarnitine is a carrier molecule in the transport of long chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It also exports acyl groups from subcellular organelles and from cells to urine before they accumulate to toxic concentrations. Only the L isomer of carnitine (sometimes called vitamin BT) affects lipid metabolism. Levocarnitine is handled by several proteins in different pathways including carnitine transporters, carnitine translocases, carnitine acetyltransferases and carnitine palmitoyltransferases.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Not Available
Generic Name: L-Carnitine
Synonyms: (-)-Carnitine; (S)-Carnitine; (-)-L-Carnitin; 3-Carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium; Carnitine; Vitamin BT
Drug Category: Nootropic Agents; Metabolite; Nutraceutical; Vitamins (Vitamin B Complex)
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing L-Carnitine:
Absorption: Absolute bioavailability is 15% (tablets or solution).
Toxicity (Overdose): LD50 > 8g/kg (mouse, oral). Adverse effects include hypertension, fever, tachycardia and seizures.
Protein Binding: None
Biotransformation: Major metabolites include trimethylamine N-oxide and [3H]-gamma-butyrobetaine.
Half Life: 17.4 hours (elimination) following a single intravenous dose.
Dosage Forms of Carnitor: Solution Intravenous
Tablet Oral
Liquid Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: (3R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylazaniumylbutanoate
Chemical Formula: C7H15NO3
L-Carnitine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-Carnitine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
