Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate 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 Arginate 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 Arginate is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 2 active ingredients. 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 Hydrochloride. 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 Arginate by Life Extension

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate by Life Extension

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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains two active ingredients, both forms of acetyl-L-carnitine: Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride and ArginoCarn Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a compound your body uses to help cells produce energy, and it's especially studied for brain and nerve health.

The product also includes inactive ingredients—vegetable cellulose (the capsule), rice flour, and ascorbyl palmitate (a form of vitamin C used as a preservative).

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: Advanced cognitive catalyst and memory support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Depression, Hepatic encephalopathy — 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, Depression.
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Hepatic encephalopathy, Schizophrenia.

The evidence on acetyl-L-carnitine shows it's possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, alcohol use disorder, diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain from diabetes), and depression. These are modest ratings—they mean there's some research support, but the evidence isn't conclusive.

If you're considering this for one of those conditions, it's worth discussing with your doctor whether it fits 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 in the 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 also report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, though these don't occur more often than with placebo in most studies. One unusual side effect: a metabolite can cause a fishy odor in urine, breath, and sweat.

There isn't enough safety information on this product during pregnancy, and safety while breastfeeding is unknown—your doctor or pharmacist should weigh the risks and benefits for your situation before you use it.

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.

Before you take this product, double-check with your pharmacist if you use blood thinners like warfarin or acenocoumarol—acetyl-L-carnitine may make them stronger and increase bleeding risk. Also flag any serotonergic drugs (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, some migraine pills) and thyroid hormone replacement.

These are all Moderate-severity interactions that need a medication review.

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.

Consider Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate if you're interested in cognitive support or managing nerve pain from diabetes, and your doctor agrees it's right for you. Be especially careful if you take blood thinners, antidepressants, or thyroid hormone—check with your pharmacist first.

The long-term safety picture isn't complete, so this is worth a conversation before you commit to it.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2016.

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 Arginate, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870152514
Net contents 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59709
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Arginate by Life Extension, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
737870152514
IngredientAmount% DV
Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride300 mg--
ArginoCarn Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride320 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, 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.
General Statements

Scan for product info

Advanced Cognitive Catalyst

To report a serious adverse event or obtain product information, contact 1-866-280-2852.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Read the entire label and follow the directions carefully prior to use. DIRECTIONS: Take one (1) capsule three times daily, preferably on an empty stomach, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. This product can be taken in divided doses or all at once.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Precautions

WARNINGS: ~ Keep out of reach of children.

~ DO NOT EXCEED RECOMMENDED DOSE. ~ Do not purchase if outer seal is broken or damaged.

~ When using nutritional supplements, please consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition or if you are pregnant or lactating.

General

Q01525E

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Non-GMO

Brand IP Statement(s)

ArginoCarn is a registered trademark of Sigma-tau HealthScience, and is protected by U.S. production patent 6,703,042 and worldwide production patent EP1202956.

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

See for yourself

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate by Life Extension label

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

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate 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 Arginate by Life Extension

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
203 drugs
300 mg 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 Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

ArginoCarn Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride

Interacts with
203 drugs
320 mg 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...

ArginoCarn Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate Dihydrochloride monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Rice Flour, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate by Life Extension Drug Interactions

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

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 Hydrochloride 203

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 2 ingredients in Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate 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-Carnitine Hydrochloride4 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 Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Life Extension

See all Life Extension products
Name
Quality Supplements and Vitamins, Inc.
City
Ft. Lauderdale
State
FL
ZipCode
33309
Phone Number
1-866-280-2852
Web Address
LifeExtension.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate 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 Arginate contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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's the difference between the two carnitine forms in this product?
Both are acetyl-L-carnitine—one is bound to hydrochloride, the other to arginine (ArginoCarn). They work the same way in your body; the different forms may affect how your gut absorbs them, but the data we hold doesn't specify a practical advantage of one over the other.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific situation before taking it—they can help you weigh any potential benefits against the uncertainty.
What are the most common side effects I might notice?
Agitation, dry mouth, headache, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite are the most frequently reported. Some people also experience nausea, diarrhea, or constipation—though these don't happen more often than with placebo in most studies. A rare quirk: a metabolite can cause a fishy smell in urine, breath, and sweat.
Is it safe to take long-term?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety hasn't been fully established. If you're thinking about taking this for weeks or months, it's a good conversation to have with your doctor.
Will this help my memory or cognitive decline?
The evidence rates it as possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease. That means there's some research support, but it's not proven—results vary, and whether it'll help you specifically is an individual question for your doctor.
Can I take this with my other supplements?
The data we hold covers interactions with medications, not other supplements. If you're taking multiple supplements, mention them to your pharmacist so they can spot any overlaps or concerns we might not have documented here.

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

Not sure if Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate is safe with your meds?

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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 Arginate label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate’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 Arginate'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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