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Dietary supplement

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by ProCaps Laboratories

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 is a dietary supplement by ProCaps Laboratories with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for memory and cognitive support, nerve pain (neuropathy), energy and fatigue.Based on those ingredients, 203 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Acetyl L-Carnitine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: acetyl-L-carnitine, a compound your body naturally makes from the amino acid L-carnitine. It plays a role in how your cells produce energy.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, and the product also contains ascorbyl palmitate as an inactive ingredient.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Optimum brain function and fat metabolism.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Cancer-related fatigue, Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, Athletic performance — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Alzheimer disease.
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance, Cancer-related fatigue, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Dyslipidemia, and more.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, alcohol use disorder, diabetic neuropathy, and depression based on the evidence we hold. That means there's some research support, but we don't have enough data yet to call it proven.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it might help your particular situation.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Acetyl-l-carnitine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Acetyl-L-carnitine is generally well tolerated when taken short-term orally. The most common side effects are agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and reduced appetite.

Some people report a fishy odor in urine, breath, or sweat—that's from a metabolite of the supplement. Gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and changes in bowel habits can happen, though they're not more common than placebo in most studies.

Long-term safety hasn't been fully studied, so caution is warranted if you plan to use it long-term. There isn't enough reliable safety information to recommend it in pregnancy; safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Acetyl-l-carnitine

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Acetyl-l-carnitine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 203 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check with your pharmacist before using this product if you take serotonergic drugs (like antidepressants), blood thinners (especially warfarin or acenocoumarol), or thyroid hormone replacement. All three interactions are rated Moderate and could affect how your medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Acetyl-L-carnitine may be worth considering if you're interested in cognitive support, depression, or neuropathy relief and your doctor thinks it's appropriate. If you take serotonergic drugs, blood thinners, or thyroid medication, you absolutely need to check your specific medications with our tool first.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription drugs.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Acetyl L-Carnitine 500, straight from the product label.

Brand ProCaps Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 605342
Net contents 360 Easy-To-Swallow Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2022
DSLD ID 275227
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
360
UPC/BARCODE
605342
IngredientAmount% DV
Acetyl L-Carnitine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Ascorbyl Palmitate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Consume one capsule daily or as recommended by your physician. As with any dietary supplement, this product is most effective as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

General Statements

For questions about the use of this product, call 800.332.7799.

Andrew Lessman, Founder Questions? Reorders? 800.800.1200 www.ProCapsLabs.com HSN www.HSN.com 800.944.9999 www.QVC.com 800.345.1515

Formulation

For over 40 years unsurpassed purity, quality and efficacy 100% solar production Zero carbon footprint

Optimum brain function and fat metabolism

Contains no additives or common allergens Contains no milk, soy, yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, sodium, salt, sugar, fat, cholesterol, color, preservative, common allergens genetically modified ingredients (GMO) ingredients or manufacturing additives.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Andrew Lessman's Acetyl L-Carnitine-500 is an ultra-high potency source of Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC), which has long been recognized for its essential role in all fat and energy metabolism as well as healthy brain function. Acetyl L-Carnitine's importance for fat and energy metabolism stems from carnitine's role in the movement of all fat to the specific site in each cell where it can be burned. Not surprisingly, the highest levels of carnitine are found in organs performing the greatest amount of energy metabolism, including our brain, heart and skeletal muscles where over 98% of the body's precious reserves of Carnitine are found. Fat burning and weight loss are challenging and as long as we are making the appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes, we should also ensure an adequate supply of those nutrients required for optimum fat metabolism. Acetyl L-Carnitine's overall importance is underscored by its role in the brain where it can bypass the blood-brain barrier to deliver its benefits directly to the brain. At only 2% of bodyweight, the brain is relatively small, yet it consumes more than 20% of the body's total energy. A healthy brain requires an abundant and uninterrupted supply of energy and ALC supports those extreme energy requirements. ALC also supports healthy blood flow to the brain, which in turn promotes adequate oxygen and nutrient availability. ALC also facilitates the production of our brain's most vital neurotransmitter - acetylcholine. In short, Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC) is not just essential for all fat metabolism, but it also plays a critical, central role supporting optimum brain function.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container360 Amounts shown are per serving.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Interacts with
203 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl

Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of the amino acid carnitine that the body uses to help produce energy in cells. It is most studied for nerve pain and mem...

Acetyl L-Carnitine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin Capsule, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Acetyl L-Carnitine 500?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
203Drugs
203 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Acetyl L-Carnitine4 drug types · 203 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant that is similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation when L-carnitine was taken with acenocoumarol. In one case, a 33-year-old male with a previously stable INR had an elevated INR of 4.65 after L-carnitine was started and continued for 10 weeks. INR normalized after discontinuation of the L-carnitine-containing product. It is unclear if such an interaction would also occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders, when taken with serotonergic drugs.
Animal research shows that acetyl-L-carnitine can increase levels of serotonin in the brain.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement.
L-carnitine appears to act as a peripheral thyroid hormone antagonist by inhibiting entry of thyroid hormone into the nucleus of cells. Taking L-carnitine also seems to diminish some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is unclear if such an interaction would occur with acetyl-L-carnitine.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, acetyl-L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
L-carnitine, the parent compound of acetyl-L-carnitine, might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, a shorter-acting oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin. There is not enough information to know whether this interaction occurs with acetyl-L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Acetyl L-Carnitine 500, from the product label.

ProCaps Laboratories

See all ProCaps Laboratories products
Name
ProCaps Laboratories
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89011
Phone Number
800-800-1200
Web Address
ProCapsLabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 by ProCaps Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 has a known interaction with 203 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is acetyl-L-carnitine, and what does it do in my body?
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a compound your body naturally produces from the amino acid L-carnitine. It helps your cells generate energy. This supplement form is studied for its potential effects on cognition, mood, nerve damage, and recovery from alcohol use.
What are the most common side effects?
Agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and reduced appetite are most common. Some people notice a fishy smell in their urine, breath, or sweat. Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or changes in bowel habits can occur but aren't more frequent than placebo in most trials.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety information to recommend acetyl-L-carnitine in pregnancy. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation.
Does acetyl-L-carnitine really work for memory or Alzheimer disease?
The evidence is rated possibly effective for both age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease, which means there's some research support but not yet enough to call it proven. Results vary, and your doctor is the best person to discuss whether it might help you.
How long is it safe to take this supplement?
Acetyl-L-carnitine is generally well tolerated in the short term, but long-term safety hasn't been fully established. If you're planning to use it long-term, check in with your pharmacist or doctor first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Acetyl L-Carnitine 500's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 22 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Acetyl-l-carnitine 22 references
  1. Thal LJ, Carta A, Clarke WR, et al. A 1-year multicenter placebo-controlled study of acetyl-L-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Neurology 1996;47:705-11. PubMed
  2. Sano M, Bell K, Cote L, et al. Double-blind parallel design pilot study of acetyl levocarnitine in patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Arch Neurol 1992;49:1137-41. PubMed
  3. Spagnoli A, Lucca U, Menasce G, et al. Long-term acetyl-L-carnitine treatment in Alzheimer's Disease. Neurology 1991;41:1726-32. PubMed
  4. Brooks JO 3rd, Yesavage JA, Carta A, Bravi D. Acetyl L-carnitine slows decline in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease: a reanalysis of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using the trilinear approach. Int Psychoger 1998;10:193-203. PubMed
  5. Pettegrew JW, Klunk WE, Panchalingam K, et al. Clinical and neurochemical effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in Alzheimer's disease. Neurobiol Aging 1995;16:1-4. PubMed
  6. Rai G, Wright G, Scott L, et al. Double-blind, placebo controlled study of acetyl-l-carnitine in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Curr Med Res Opin 1990;11:638-47. PubMed
  7. Benvenga S, Ruggeri RM, Russo A, et al. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheral antagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Meta
  8. Montgomery SA, Thal LJ, Amrein R. Meta-analysis of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials of acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2003;18:61-71.. PubMed
  9. Martinez E, Domingo P, Roca-Cusachs A. Potentiation of acenocoumarol action by L-carnitine. J Intern Med 1993;233:94.
  10. Hudson S, Tabet N. Acetyl-L-carnitine for dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;2:CD003158.. PubMed
  11. Bachmann HU, Hoffmann A. Interaction of food supplement L-carnitine with oral anticoagulant acenocoumarol. Swiss Med Wkly 2004;134:385. PubMed
  12. De Grandis D, Minardi C. Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Drugs R D 2002;3:223-31. PubMed
  13. 12761 Benvenga S, Amato A, Calvani M, Trimarchi F. Effects of carnitine on thyroid hormone action. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004;1033:158-67. PubMed
  14. Sima AAF, Calvani M, Mehra M, et al. Acetyl-L-carnitine improves pain, nerve regeneration, and vibratory perception in patients with chronic diabetic neuropathy: An analysis of two randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Diabetes Care 2005;28:89-94.
  15. Youle, M. and Osio, M. A double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre study of acetyl L-carnitine in the symptomatic treatment of antiretroviral toxic neuropathy in patients with HIV-1 infection. HIV.Med. 2007;8(4):241-250.
  16. Brennan BP, Jensen JE, Hudson JI, Coit CE, Beaulieu A, Pope HG Jr, Renshaw PF, Cohen BM. A placebo-controlled trial of acetyl-L-carnitine and a-lipoic acid in the treatment of bipolar depression. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2013 Oct;33(5):627-35.
  17. Ledinek AH, Sajko MC, Rot U. Evaluating the effects of amantadin, modafinil and acetyl-L-carnitine on fatigue in multiple sclerosis--result of a pilot randomized, blind study. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2013 Dec;115 Suppl 1:S86-9. PubMed
  18. Martinotti G, Andreoli S, Reina D, Di Nicola M, Ortolani I, Tedeschi D, Fanella F, Pozzi G, Iannoni E, D'Iddio S, Prof LJ. Acetyl-l-Carnitine in the treatment of anhedonia, melancholic and negative symptoms in alcohol dependent subjects. Prog Neuropsychop PubMed
  19. Baek SM, Zheng R, Seo EJ, Hwang DY, Kim BH. Pharmacokinetic comparisons of two acetyl-L-carnitine formulations in healthy Korean volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2015;53(11):980-6. PubMed
  20. Goodison G, Overeem K, de Monte V, Siskind D. Mania associated with self-prescribed acetyl-l-carnitine in a man with bipolar I disorder. Australas Psychiatry. 2017;25(1):13-4.
  21. Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, Lorusso S, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MR. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Augmentation of Clozapine in Partial-Responder Schizophrenia: A 12-Week, Open-Label Uncontrolled Preliminary Study. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2016;39(6):277-80. PubMed
  22. Veronese N, Stubbs B, Solmi M, Ajnakina O, Carvalho AF, Maggi S. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Supplementation and the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Psychosom Med. 2018;80(2):154-9. PubMed

See these in context on the Acetyl-l-carnitine monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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