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Dietary supplement

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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.
  • “Acetyl-L-Carnitine” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: acetyl-L-carnitine hydrochloride, a form of L-carnitine, a compound your body naturally produces. It's involved in how your cells convert fats into energy.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients—hypromellose, rice flour, stearic acid, and silicon dioxide—which serve as fillers and capsule material.

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: Brain and nerve cell function, cellular energy.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Cancer-related fatigue, Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, Peripheral neuropathy — 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, Diabetic neuropathy.
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

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 suggesting it may help with these conditions, but the evidence isn't yet conclusive.

If you're considering it for one of these uses, talk it over with your doctor about what the research shows and whether it makes sense for your 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 short-term, but long-term safety hasn't been fully established. 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. Gastrointestinal effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation can occur, though they don't happen more often than with placebo in most studies.

Pregnancy safety data isn't on file for this ingredient, and there isn't enough reliable information about safety while breastfeeding, so those are reasons to avoid it 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 taking this if you're on serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, some pain or migraine medications), blood thinners like warfarin or acenocoumarol, or thyroid hormone replacement. These are the medication types with documented interactions.

If you're unsure whether your medications fall into these categories, use the search tool on this page to check your exact prescriptions.

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 supporting cognitive function or managing one of the conditions it's possibly effective for, and your doctor agrees. However, if you take serotonergic medications, blood thinners, or thyroid hormone, you need to check this with your pharmacist first.

Long-term safety data is limited, so talk with your doctor before starting, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Feb 22, 2024.

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 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739000750
Net contents 50 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 303408
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Halal, Gluten 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 mg by NOW, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
25
UPC/BARCODE
733739000750
IngredientAmount% DV
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride1205 mg--
Acetyl-L-Carnitine1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide

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 Usage: Take 1-2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily as needed.

Formula

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) is a modified amino acid that supports cellular energy production by assisting in the transport of fat into the mitochondria where it is converted into ATP (cellular fuel). ALC is a highly bioavailable form of carnitine that can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it helps to neutralize free radicals, supports mitochondrial function and helps to maintain normal neurotransmitter activity. Clinical studies suggest that ALC helps to maintain optimal neurological health.

Triangle K (Kosher)

Amino Acids

Halal

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Brain and nerve cell function Transports fatty acids Boosts cellular energy

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K (Kosher)

GMP Quality Assured Halal

General Statements

Capsule size Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW label

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

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW

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

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container25 Amounts shown are per serving.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Interacts with
203 drugs
1 Gram(s) per serving

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: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Stearic Acid, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

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

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

Acetyl-L-Carnitine 203

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg interact with 203 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg 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
Acetyl-L-Carnitine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg 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 mg 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 does acetyl-L-carnitine actually do?
Acetyl-L-carnitine is a form of L-carnitine, a natural compound that helps your cells convert fats into energy. Research suggests it may support cognitive function and help with conditions like Alzheimer disease, age-related memory loss, diabetic nerve damage, depression, and alcohol use disorder—though the evidence for these uses is still developing.
Can I take this if I'm on an antidepressant?
Not without checking first. Acetyl-L-carnitine can raise serotonin levels in the brain, which theoretically increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with serotonergic drugs like antidepressants. Talk to your pharmacist before starting—they can review your specific medication and let you know if it's safe for you.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common are agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and reduced appetite. Some people also report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, though these don't occur more often than with placebo in most studies. A few people notice a fishy odor in urine, breath, or sweat.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been fully studied and established. If you're thinking about taking this regularly, discuss the timeframe and any concerns with your doctor.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy safety data isn't on file for acetyl-L-carnitine, and there isn't enough reliable information about safety while breastfeeding. It's best to avoid it unless your doctor advises otherwise. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Will this work for memory problems?
Acetyl-L-carnitine is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease based on available research, meaning there's some evidence it may help, but it's not proven. Whether it'll work for you is an individual question—your doctor can help you think through whether to try it based on your specific situation and the current evidence.

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 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Acetyl-l-carnitine

Interacts with 203 drugs

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 memory-related conditions, though the evide...

Read the full Acetyl-l-carnitine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Acetyl-L Carnitine 500 mg'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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