Spring 2022
Sage Graham, Student Pharmacist
Carnitine
Common names: (L-carnitine, Acetyl-L-carnitine, Bicarnesine, and Carnitor) Scientific name: (L-3-hydroxytrimethylaminobutanoate)
History L-carnitine is a naturally occurring, nonprotein amino acid that is biosynthesized in the liver and kidneys from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine. The generic term "carnitine" originates from the Latin carnus (flesh), as the compound was originally isolated from meat, and refers to the group of carnitine derivatives: L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-Lcarnitine. Dextro- forms also exist; however, only the levo-isomers are biologically active in humans. In 1989, the US Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine determined that carnitine was not an essential nutrient and has not established a recommended dietary allowance for the compound.1
MOA
Uses
L-carnitine facilitates beta-oxidation of long-chain fatty acids by transporting them into the mitochondria to be oxidized, which produces energy. It also exports short- and medium-chain fatty acids as well as toxic compounds from the mitochondria that accumulate as a result of normal and abnormal metabolism.1
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oral and intravenous (IV) Lcarnitine for the treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiency because of inborn errors of metabolism. IV L-carnitine is also approved for the treatment of carnitine deficiency resulting from dialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease.2
Dosage forms and typical dosing
Comes in intravenous and oral dosage forms. Most commonly dosage 3-4 grams per day for most of its indications.1
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