Overview

Propionyl-L-carnitine is a chemical naturally made in the body. It’s related to two other compounds called L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine.

Propionyl-L-carnitine helps the body produce energy. It’s important for heart function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. It also seems to help increase circulation.

People use propionyl-L-carnitine for chest pain, heart disease, heart failure, athletic performance, chronic fatigue, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.

Don't confuse propionyl-L-carnitine with acetyl-L-carnitine or L-carnitine. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Chest pain (angina). Taking propionyl-L-carnitine by mouth seems to help people with chest pain walk farther. It might also reduce how often some people feel chest pain.
  • Heart disease. Taking propionyl-L-carnitine by IV helps the heart to pump better in people with heart disease. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • Heart failure and fluid build up in the body (congestive heart failure or CHF). Taking propionyl-L-carnitine by mouth seems to improve how the heart works in people with mild or moderate CHF. It also seems to help people with CHF walk farther.
  • Leg pain during exercise due to poor blood flow (intermittent claudication). Taking propionyl-L-carnitine by mouth or by IV seems to help people with leg pain walk farther and also improve quality of life. IV products can only be given by a healthcare provider.
  • A type of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). Taking propionyl-L-carnitine with other medications by mouth might help to reduce symptoms in people with ulcerative colitis.
There is interest in using propionyl-L-carnitine for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Propionyl-L-carnitine is likely safe when taken in doses up to 3 grams daily for up to 6 months. It can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Propionyl-L-carnitine is likely safe when taken in doses up to 3 grams daily for up to 6 months. It can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and other side effects. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if propionyl-L-carnitine is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism): Propionyl-L-carnitine might make hypothyroidism worse or thyroid hormone treatment less effective. If you have hypothyroidism, don't take propionyl-L-carnitine.

Seizures: Some people who have a history of seizures have reported an increase in seizures after taking L-carnitine. Propionyl-L-carnitine is similar to L-carnitine and might have some of the same effects. Don’t take it if you have seizures.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Acenocoumarol (Sintrom) interacts with PROPIONYL-L-CARNITINE

    Acenocoumarol is used to slow blood clotting. Propionyl-L-carnitine might increase the effects of acenocoumarol, which might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. The dose of your acenocoumarol might need to be changed.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with PROPIONYL-L-CARNITINE

    Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Propionyl-L-carnitine might increase the effects of warfarin and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin might need to be changed.

Dosing

Propionyl-L-carnitine has most often been used by adults in doses of 1.5-2 grams by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.