Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 3 of 4 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

L-Carnitine 500 Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by MRM

L-Carnitine 500 label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking L-Carnitine 500 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: Major

L-Carnitine 500 is a dietary supplement by MRM with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 319 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B6, Calcium, L-Carnitine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against L-Carnitine 500 by MRM

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

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Carnitine 500 by MRM

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 Aug 13, 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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

L-Carnitine 500 contains 4 active ingredients: L-carnitine (the primary compound), vitamin B6, calcium, and vitamin B5. L-carnitine plays a role in how your cells produce energy by carrying fatty acids into mitochondria.

Vitamin B6 supports nerve function and red blood cell formation. Calcium is essential for bone health and muscle function.

The tablet also contains inactive ingredients—cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, and silicon dioxide—which are fillers and binders that help form and stabilize the pill.

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: energy production from fats and cardiovascular health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Angina, Arrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Atherosclerosis — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: L-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: L-carnitine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Also on file: Calcium is rated "Ineffective" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD).

L-carnitine is effective for L-carnitine deficiency and possibly effective for high cholesterol, congestive heart failure, and angina. Vitamin B6 is effective for sideroblastic anemia and B6 deficiency itself, likely effective for high homocysteine levels, and possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea.

Calcium is effective for low blood calcium levels, kidney failure, and high potassium levels, and likely effective for osteoporosis. We hold no effectiveness data for vitamin B5 in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Calcium 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 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Vitamin B6 is generally well tolerated at standard doses but at high doses over time can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy); common side effects at lower doses include headache, nausea, and abdominal pain. Calcium is well tolerated at recommended amounts; the most common side effects are digestive—constipation, bloating, and stomach upset.

L-carnitine is generally well tolerated but can cause nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and a fishy body odor at higher doses. Pregnancy safety: vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy at normal amounts but only under a doctor's guidance for morning sickness; calcium is likely safe during pregnancy and lactation at recommended levels; L-carnitine pregnancy safety is not established in our data, and breastfeeding safety is possibly safe but not well studied.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Calcium L-carnitine

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Calcium, Vitamin B6, L-carnitine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; heart-rhythm medications; lithium; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 319 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 taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir), blood thinners (warfarin, acenocoumarol), thyroid hormone replacement, ceftriaxone by IV, antihypertensive drugs, amiodarone, seizure medications (phenobarbital, phenytoin), levothyroxine, sotalol, diltiazem, calcipotriene, or raltegravir. The calcium and vitamin B6 content can interfere with how several of these drugs work, and spacing doses correctly is often necessary.

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. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Carnitine 500 may be worth considering if you have low carnitine levels or are interested in supporting heart or cholesterol health, though evidence for those last two is modest. If you take any blood thinners, thyroid medication, HIV drugs, heart medications, seizure drugs, or antihypertensive drugs, you'll need to talk this through with your doctor or pharmacist first—there are real interactions that could affect how your medications work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss it with their provider before starting, since data on safety during pregnancy is limited and breastfeeding safety is not well studied.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2018.

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 L-Carnitine 500, straight from the product label.

Brand MRM
Barcode (UPC) 60949272201
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179048
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 L-Carnitine 500 by MRM, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
60949272201
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B65 mg250%
Calcium70 mg7%
Vitamin B515 mg150%
L-Carnitine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, 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.
General Statements

L-Carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid, is required for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. Once in the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) these fatty acids can be metabolized to provide energy for the cell. The presence of L-Carnitine assists in clearing triglycerides from the blood which supports cardiovascular and liver health. Maximize exercise and athletic performance as L-Carnitine supplementation has shown increased fat metabolism and decreased muscle fatigue.

Promotes cardiovascular health Supports energy production from fats

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

General

1704V01

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Certified Vegan Vegan.org

GMP Produced in a certified facility Good Manufacturing Practices

Formulation

Certified Vegan Vegan.org

Contains no added milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, gluten or yeast ingredients.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Performance Enhancing Suggested Usage: Take 4-8 tablets on an empty stomach prior to workout. Cardiovascular Support Suggested Usage: Take 1-2 tablets 2-3 times daily with a meal.

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

See for yourself

L-Carnitine 500 by MRM label

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

L-Carnitine 500 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 L-Carnitine 500 by MRM

These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 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.

Vitamin B6

Interacts with
210 drugs
5 mg per serving Form: Pyridoxine Hydrochloride

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is b...

Vitamin B6 monograph & interactions

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
70 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Vitamin B5

15 mg per serving Form: Calcium Pantothenate

L-Carnitine

Interacts with
19 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: L-Carnitine Tartrate

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most...

L-Carnitine monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Carnitine 500 by MRM Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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
319Drugs
7 Major 305 Moderate 7 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin B6 210
Calcium 168
L-Carnitine 19

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in L-Carnitine 500 interact with 319 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 4 ingredients in L-Carnitine 500 interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin B6 Calcium L-Carnitine

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

Vitamin B65 drug types · 210 drugs

Amiodarone (Cordarone)

Theoretically, vitamin B6 might increase the photosensitivity caused by amiodarone.
Despite initial case reports suggesting that pyridoxine may have a protective effect against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity, preliminary clinical research suggests that pyridoxine may actually exacerbate this adverse effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, vitamin B6 may have additive effects when used with antihypertensive drugs.
Research in hypertensive rats shows that vitamin B6 can decrease systolic blood pressure. Similarly, clinical research in patients with hypertension shows that taking high doses of vitamin B6 may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, possibly by reducing plasma levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Phenobarbital (Luminal)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenobarbital.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenobarbital, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenobarbital to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

High doses of vitamin B6 may reduce the levels and clinical effects of phenytoin.
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that vitamin B6 200 mg daily can reduce plasma levels of phenytoin, possibly by increasing metabolism. It is not known whether lower doses have any effect. Advise people taking phenytoin to avoid high doses of vitamin B6.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Levodopa

Vitamin B6 may increase the metabolism of levodopa when taken alone, but not when taken in conjunction with carbidopa.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) enhances the metabolism of levodopa, reducing its clinical effects. However, this interaction does not occur when carbidopa is used concurrently with levodopa (Sinemet). Therefore, it is not likely to be a problem in most people.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Vitamin B6 full monograph & interactions

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

L-Carnitine3 drug types · 19 drugs

Acenocoumarol (Sintrom)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol.
L-carnitine might enhance the anticoagulant effects of acenocoumarol, an oral anticoagulant similar to warfarin, but shorter-acting. There are at least two case reports of INR elevation with concomitant use. 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.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Thyroid Hormone

Theoretically, 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.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, L-carnitine might increase the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.
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 L-carnitine and warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
L-Carnitine full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

MRM

See all MRM products
Name
MRM
Street Address
2665 Vista Pacific Dr.
City
Oceanside
State
CA
ZipCode
92056
Phone Number
1-800-948-6296
Web Address
www.mrm-usa.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Carnitine 500 by MRM: Common Questions

Does L-Carnitine 500 by MRM interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Carnitine 500 has a known interaction with 319 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Carnitine 500 contains 4 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.
Can I take L-Carnitine 500 if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin B6 in this product is likely safe in pregnancy at typical amounts, and calcium is likely safe too. However, L-carnitine pregnancy safety isn't well established in our data. Talk with your doctor before starting—this is a personalized decision based on your full health picture.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are digestive: nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, or stomach upset from the L-carnitine and calcium content. Some people also report a fishy body odor. These effects are mild in most cases and often fade as your body adjusts.
Will this help my cholesterol or heart health?
L-carnitine is possibly effective for high cholesterol and possibly effective for congestive heart failure and angina, so there's some evidence—but it's not as strong as for prescription options. Talk with your doctor about whether it fits your treatment plan.
Is vitamin B5 in here actually doing anything?
We don't have effectiveness data on file for vitamin B5 in this product, so we can't say what role it's playing. You might ask the manufacturer directly about why it's included and at what dose.
Why do I need to space doses with some medications?
The calcium in this supplement binds to certain drugs—like levothyroxine and some HIV medications—and prevents your body from absorbing them properly. Taking them several hours apart stops that binding from happening and lets your medication work as intended.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Vitamin B6 and calcium are likely safe while breastfeeding at normal amounts. L-carnitine is possibly safe, but breastfeeding safety isn't well studied. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for you and your situation.

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.

L-Carnitine 500 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Carnitine 500’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Vitamin B6

Interacts with 210 drugs

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that your body needs for metabolism, brain function, and making red blood cells. It is best known for helping with pregnancy-rel...

Read the full Vitamin B6 monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-carnitine

Interacts with 19 drugs

L-carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and also gets from foods like meat. It helps cells turn fat into energy, and supplements are most clearly useful for people with a true ca...

Read the full L-carnitine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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 135 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.

Vitamin B6 32 references
  1. Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
  2. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  3. Geerling BJ, Dagnelie PC, Badart-Smook A, et al. Diet as a risk factor for the development of ulcerative colitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95:1008-13. PubMed
  4. South M. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use -- reply. Lancet 1999;354:2083. PubMed
  5. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline (2000). Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://b
  6. Baxter P, Aicardi J. Neonatal seizures after pyridoxine use. Lancet 1999;354:2082-3. PubMed
  7. Bendich A, Cohen M. Vitamin B6 safety issues. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1990;585:321-30.
  8. Schaumburg H, Kaplan J, Windebank A. Sensory neuropathy from pyridoxine abuse. A new megavitamin syndrome. N Engl J Med 1983;309:445-8. PubMed
  9. Gordon N. Pyridoxine dependency: an update. Dev Med Child Neurol 1997;39:63-5. PubMed
  10. Lewis PJ. Pain in the hand and wrist. Pyridoxine supplements may help patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. BMJ 1995;310:1534. PubMed
  11. Kaufman G. Pyridoxine against amiodarone-induced photosensitivity (letter). Lancet 1984;1:51-2. PubMed
  12. Mulrow JP, Mulrow CD, McKenna WJ. Pyridoxine and amiodarone-induced photosensitivity. Ann Intern Med 1985;103:68-9. PubMed
  13. Kawada A, Kashima A, Shiraishi H, et al. Pyridoxine-induced photosensitivity and hypophosphatasia. Dermatology 2000;201:356-60.. PubMed
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