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Carnitor: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

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.
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
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
Chemical IUPAC Name
(3R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylazaniumylbutanoate
Chemical Formula
C7H15NO3
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals