L-Carnitine and drug interactions

Two interactions are very well recognized. One is the role of carnitine, along with coenzyme Q10, in countering the cardiotoxicity induced by the anticancer drug adriamycin. The second is toxicity of the antiepileptic drug valproate, especially in younger patients. Valproate has been shown to impair the uptake and the synthesis of carnitine and therefore routine supplementation with carnitine is recommended is such patients (De Vivo, 1998).