Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Life Extension

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

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn is a dietary supplement by Life Extension with 3 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 HCl. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn 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

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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has 3 active ingredients: two acetyl-L-carnitine compounds (Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl and ArginoCarn Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate Di-HCl) and GlycoCarn (glycine propionyl L-carnitine HCl). Carnitine is a compound your body makes naturally and uses to turn fat into energy, especially in your heart and muscles.

These forms are designed to support brain function and energy metabolism. The product also contains inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, and silica — which are fillers and capsule material.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Acetyl-l-carnitine's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: muscular and cardiovascular function, counteracts fatigue.
  • We looked for evidence on: Athletic performance, Cancer-related fatigue, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, Frailty, endurance — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Athletic performance (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Acetyl-l-carnitine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cancer-related fatigue, Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue, Frailty.

The acetyl-L-carnitine in this product is rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, alcohol use disorder, diabetic neuropathy, and depression. That means there's enough evidence to suggest it might help these conditions, but the proof isn't ironclad yet.

We have no effectiveness data on file for GlycoCarn, so we can't speak to what it adds to the formula.

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 isn't fully established — it's something to keep in mind if you're thinking about taking this long-term. 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. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation can happen, though they don't occur more often than with placebo.

There isn't enough reliable safety data during pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. Safety while breastfeeding is unknown — avoiding it is the safer choice.

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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on blood thinners like warfarin or acenocoumarol — acetyl-L-carnitine may boost how much they work. Antidepressants and other serotonergic drugs carry a Moderate interaction risk as well.

Thyroid hormone replacement is also a concern, since carnitine may make it less effective. If you take any of these, don't start without confirming it's okay with your healthcare provider.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're interested in carnitine for brain health or energy and you don't take blood thinners, antidepressants, or thyroid medication, this could be worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist. Those on warfarin or similar anticoagulants, serotonergic drugs, or thyroid hormone should definitely check their exact medications with your healthcare provider before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk it over with your doctor first.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 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 Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn, straight from the product label.

Brand Life Extension
Barcode (UPC) 737870916062
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 59033
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 Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn 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:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
737870916062
IngredientAmount% DV
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl800 mg--
ArginoCarn Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate Di-HCl300 mg--
GlycoCarn Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl300 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Silica

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

Promotes Cellular Energy Production Naturally*

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 two (2) capsules once or twice daily, or as recommended by a healthcare practitioner. This product can be taken on an empty stomach with water or juice in the morning in divided doses or all at once.

Formula

Optimized Carnitine with GlycoCarn contains the most advanced forms of carnitine: Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALC), Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate, and Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine (GPLC).

Brand IP Statement(s)

The inclusion of GlycoCarn in Optimized Carnitine with GlycoCarn creates a synergistic combination that supports muscular and cardiovascular function and counteracts fatigue.*

GlycoCarn and ArginoCarn are registered trademarks of Sigma-tau HealthScience, Inc. and are protected by Sigma-tau U.S. patent # 6,703,042 and worldwide patent EP1202956. The combination of multiple forms of Carnitine is protected by Sigma-tau patent # 6,245,378.

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.

Storage

Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

Formulation

Non-GMO

General

Q00916K

See for yourself

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn by Life Extension label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn by Life Extension

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 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 HCl

Interacts with
203 drugs
800 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 HCl monograph & interactions
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...

ArginoCarn Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate Di-HCl monograph & interactions

GlycoCarn Glycine Propionyl L-Carnitine HCl

300 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn by Life Extension Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn?

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 Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn 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 HCl4 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 Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn, 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

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn by Life Extension: Common Questions

Does Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn by Life Extension interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn 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?
Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn contains 3 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 this if I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough reliable safety information to say this is safe in pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise. This is an individual decision — talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Is it safe while breastfeeding?
Safety while breastfeeding is unknown, so avoiding it is the safer choice. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
Agitation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and reduced appetite are the most common. Some people also notice nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. A few report a fishy odor in urine, breath, or sweat.
Does acetyl-L-carnitine actually work for memory and brain health?
It's rated possibly effective for age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, and depression — meaning there's enough evidence to suggest it might help, but the proof isn't certain yet. Results vary from person to person.
What is carnitine supposed to do in the body?
Carnitine helps your body convert fat into energy, especially in your heart and muscles. The forms in this product are designed to support brain function and cellular energy production.

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

Not sure if Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn 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.

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Optimized Carnitine With GlycoCarn'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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