Acetyl L Carnitine
About Acetyl L Carnitine
Acetyl L Carnitine is used to treat carnitine deficiency. It is also used to improve cognitive functions in various mental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory loss, depression, and mood problems related to alcoholism. It also helps with sperm motility (male menopause), nerve pain and damage in neuropathy. Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic muscle disease caused by low levels of carnitine.
Acetyl L Carnitine contains Acetyl-L-Carnitine or ALC, an amino acid. When taken as a supplement, the body converts acetyl-L-carnitine into L-carnitine, which helps the body produce energy from fat.
Your doctor will decide the duration based on your medical condition. Sometimes, Acetyl L Carnitine may cause common side effects like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, restlessness, fishy odour of urine, breath, and sweat. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for a longer time, please seek medical advice.
Let your doctor know if you use prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products before starting Acetyl L Carnitine. Please tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), liver or kidney disease, diabetes, fits, bipolar disorder, or neuropathy. If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, please consult your doctor before taking Acetyl L Carnitine. It is advised to limit alcohol intake to avail maximum benefits of Acetyl L Carnitine. Acetyl L Carnitine should not be given to children unless the doctor has prescribed it.
Uses of Acetyl L Carnitine
Medicinal Benefits
Acetyl L Carnitine is used to treat primary and secondary carnitine deficiency. It contains Acetyl-L-Carnitine. When the body lacks the carnitine, Acetyl L Carnitine helps replace those low levels. Acetyl L Carnitine is further converted into L-Carnitine, which helps the body to produce energy from fat. Acetyl L Carnitine also plays a role as a water-soluble vitamin, antilipemic drug (lowers blood cholesterol) and a nootropic agent (improves cognitive function).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acetyl L Carnitine
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Fishy odour of urine, breath, and sweat
Drug Warnings
Let your doctor know if you use prescription, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products before starting Acetyl L Carnitine. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Acetyl L Carnitine or its inactive components. Please inform your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), liver or kidney disease, diabetes, fits, bipolar disorder, and neuropathy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking Acetyl L Carnitine. Acetyl L Carnitine does not usually interfere with your driving ability. It is advised to limit alcohol intake to avail maximum benefits of Acetyl L Carnitine. Acetyl L Carnitine should not be given to children unless a doctor has prescribed it. Do not store Acetyl L Carnitine above 25°C and keep it away from direct sunlight.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Acetyl L Carnitine may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Use Acetyl L Carnitine with medical advice if you have hypothyroidism, liver or kidney diseases, diabetes, fits, bipolar disorder, neuropathy, and allergic reactions to medicines.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThere is limited data on the effects of alcohol consumption with Acetyl L Carnitine. It is advised to consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
cautionAcetyl L Carnitine should be taken only when prescribed by your doctor during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to conceive before taking Acetyl L Carnitine.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Acetyl L Carnitine is excreted into breast milk. Please consult your doctor before taking Acetyl L Carnitine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found/established.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases before taking Acetyl L Carnitine.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before taking Acetyl L Carnitine.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor before giving Acetyl L Carnitine to children. Your doctor will decide if Acetyl L Carnitine can be given to your child or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain proper weight by following a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly and try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
- Include more fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
- Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
- Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
Let your doctor and the laboratory staff know if you are using Acetyl L Carnitine since it may interfere with laboratory tests.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Carnitine deficiency is a metabolic muscle disease caused by low levels of carnitine. Carnitine is an amino acid that helps produce energy from fatty acids. Carnitine deficiency can be primary or secondary. Primary carnitine deficiency occurs due to a genetic mutation in the substance responsible for bringing the carnitine into the cells. Secondary carnitine deficiency occurs when there is not enough carnitine in the blood. Symptoms of carnitine deficiency include weakness in the muscles of the hips, shoulders, upper arms, and legs, low blood sugar, fatigue, vomiting, abdominal pain, growth retardation, and low weight.
FAQs
Acetyl L Carnitine is used to treat carnitine deficiency. It is also used to improve cognitive functions in various mental disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, age-related memory loss, depression, and mood problems related to alcoholism. It also helps with sperm motility (male menopause), nerve pain and damage in neuropathy.
Acetyl L Carnitine is a dietary supplement that contains acetyl-L-carnitine, an amino acid. It works by replacing the carnitine levels in the body, thus treating carnitine deficiency. Acetyl L Carnitine also plays a role as a water-soluble vitamin, antilipemic drug (lowers blood cholesterol), and a nootropic agent (improves cognitive function).
It is important to tell your doctor if you have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), liver or kidney disease, diabetes, fits, bipolar disorder, and neuropathy. Let your doctor know if you have any other medical concerns before starting Acetyl L Carnitine.
Acetyl L Carnitine works best when you take it with a meal or within 30 minutes after a meal. For more information, please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and follow your usual dosage.
The duration of taking Acetyl L Carnitine varies depending on your health goals and individual needs. A daily regimen for 3-6 months is commonly recommended for cognitive support and memory enhancement. For neuropathic pain relief, a treatment period of 3-6 months may be suggested. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate duration tailored to your specific needs, as they may recommend a different regimen based on your medical history and current health.
No, Acetyl L Carnitine is not a steroid. It contains acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), an amino acid that supports energy production, cognitive function, and overall health.
A carnitine deficiency can arise from various factors, including inherited genetic disorders that disrupt carnitine production or transport. A diet lacking animal products, such as a strict vegetarian or vegan regimen, may also contribute to deficiency. Moreover, certain medical conditions like liver or kidney disease, pregnancy, and lactation can increase the risk of carnitine depletion. Additionally, malnutrition, starvation, and chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, or HIV can also lead to carnitine deficiency. If you suspect a carnitine deficiency or have concerns, consult a healthcare professional for personalized evaluation and guidance.
Warfarin, a medication used to prevent blood clots, may interact with Acetyl L Carnitine. Studies suggest that Acetyl L Carnitine may enhance the blood-thinning effects of warfarin, which could increase the risk of bleeding. If you're taking warfarin and considering adding Acetyl L Carnitine to your regimen, it's crucial to discuss your healthcare provider. They may need to closely monitor your blood clotting levels (INR) to ensure they remain within a safe range. Your doctor may also adjust your warfarin dosage to account for any potential interactions between the two.
People with diabetic conditions can take Acetyl L Carnitine but with caution. Acetyl L Carnitine may lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. To use Acetyl L Carnitine safely, consult your doctor first. They will monitor your blood sugar levels, adjust your medication, and ensure safe usage.
Yes, diarrhea is a common initial side effect of Acetyl L Carnitine, but it usually vanishes as your body adjusts to Acetyl L Carnitine. If the discomfort persists or worsens, consult your doctor for guidance on managing symptoms and adjusting treatment. Do not take any antidiarrheal medicine unless advised by the doctor.
The key ingredient in the Acetyl L Carnitine is acetyl-L-carnitine, or ALC, an amino acid that helps produce energy.
Yes, there are some common side effects of Acetyl L Carnitine, but they usually vanish over time. These may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, restlessness, fishy odour of urine, breath, and sweat. These effects typically subside over time, but if they persist or worsen, consult your doctor for guidance on how to alleviate them.
Acetyl L Carnitine may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, acenocoumarol). This is not an exhaustive list, and it's essential to consult your physician before taking Acetyl L Carnitine, especially if you're already taking medications or supplements, to ensure safe usage and avoid potential interactions.
If you have a history of seizures, it's essential to be cautious with Acetyl L Carnitine. Acetyl L Carnitine may lower the seizure threshold and potentially increase the risk of seizures in certain individuals. So, it's important to consult your doctor before starting this Acetyl L Carnitine, especially if you have a history of seizures.
