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Levocarnitine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings

Brand names: Carnitor, Carnitor SF, L-Carnitine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 23, 2024.

Levocarnitine Pregnancy Warnings

Use is not recommended unless clearly needed.

US FDA pregnancy category: B

Comments:
-Stopping treatment in a pregnant woman with primary systemic carnitine deficiency may carry serious consequences; the risk of stopping treatment may outweigh the theoretical risks to the fetus of continuing.

Animal studies showed no evidence of impaired fertility or fetal harm, however at 600 mg/kg daily there was a statistically insignificant increase in post implantation losses. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

US FDA pregnancy category B: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

See references

Levocarnitine Breastfeeding Warnings

Benefit should outweigh risk.

Excreted into human milk: Data not available
Excreted into animal milk: Yes

Comments:
-Levocarnitine is a normal component of human milk.
-Levocarnitine concentration in milk is increased in dairy cows after exogenous administration.
-The risks to the infant from excess carnitine intake should be weighed against the benefits of supplementation to the mother.

See references

References for pregnancy information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Carnitor (levocarnitine)." Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. (2022) "Product Information. LevOCARNitine (levOCARNitine)." Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company Inc

References for breastfeeding information

  1. (2001) "Product Information. Carnitor (levocarnitine)." Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals
  2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
  3. (2022) "Product Information. LevOCARNitine (levOCARNitine)." Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company Inc

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.