Levocarnitine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 23, 2025.

Applies to levocarnitine: capsule, capsule liquid filled, solution, tablet.

Serious side effects of levocarnitine

Along with its needed effects, levocarnitine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking levocarnitine:

More common side effects

• high blood pressure

Less common side effects

• fast heartbeat
• fever

Rare side effects

• seizures

Other side effects of levocarnitine

Some side effects of levocarnitine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• headache
• nausea or vomiting

Less common side effects

• abdominal discomfort
• body odor
• depression
• dizziness
• impaired vision
• loss of appetite or weight
• swelling in hands, lower legs, and feet
• tingling sensation
• weakness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to levocarnitine: injectable solution, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet.

Gastrointestinal adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (35%), abdominal pain (21%), vomiting (21%), nausea (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal disorder, melena
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abdominal cramps^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (37%), dizziness (18%), paresthesia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertonia, vertigo, taste perversion
• Frequency not reported: Seizures (with or without pre-existing seizure activity), increase in seizure frequency and/or severity^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Hypercalcemia (15%), hypervolemia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia, hyperkalemia^[Ref]

There are reports from clinical trials of significant hypertriglyceridemia associated with high doses of levocarnitine (3 g/day) given to uremic dialysis patients.^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Pain (35%), flu syndrome (29%), chest pain (15%), accidental injury (12%), asthenia (12%), fever (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema, weight decrease, weight increase
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Body odor, International Normalized Ratio (INR) increased^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Injection site reaction (38%)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal side effects, in chronic hemodialysis patients, for levocarnitine in relation to placebo therapy have included asthenia (8% to 12% vs 8%) and leg cramps (4% to 8% vs 13%). Mild myasthenia has occurred in uremic patients receiving D,L-carnitine (but not levocarnitine).^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Anemia (12%)^[Ref]

There have been reports from clinical trials of significant increases in platelet aggregation associated with high doses of levocarnitine (3 g/day) given to hemodialysis patients.^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Kidney failure (chronic hemodialysis patients)^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Common (1% to 10%): Parathyroid disorder^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Pharyngitis (27%), cough increase (18%), dyspnea (11%), rhinitis (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, sinusitis^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia, eye disorder^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (21%), hypotension (19%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, cardiovascular disorder, electrocardiogram abnormal, palpitations, tachycardia, vascular disorder^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, anxiety, drug dependence, insomnia^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (24%)^[Ref]

Further information

Levocarnitine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer