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Nutritional support and cardioprotection with L-carnitine: prescription appropriateness and safety concerns in

Leobardo Manuel Gómez-Oliván1, Analleli Valdés-Alanis, Lucila I Castro-Pastrana

  • 1Laboratorio de Toxicología, Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Paseo Tollocan esquina Paseo Colón. Col. Universidad. Toluca, Estado de México.

Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology = Journal De La Therapeutique Des Populations Et De La Pharmacologie Clinique
|April 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

L-carnitine prescriptions in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were often inappropriate, with incorrect dosing in over 60%. Adverse drug reactions, primarily gastrointestinal issues, were common, highlighting the need for a rational use policy.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Clinical Pharmacy
  • Pediatric Pharmacology

Background:

  • Medication errors are a significant concern in neonatal care.
  • L-carnitine is frequently used in Mexican NICUs for nutritional support and treating neonatal asphyxia-related cardiomyopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the appropriateness of L-carnitine prescriptions in a Mexican NICU.
  • To identify adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with L-carnitine therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal-retrospective study design was employed.
  • Assessed L-carnitine prescriptions over a 12-month period.
  • Collected and characterized ADR reports possibly related to L-carnitine.

Main Results:

  • Only 18% of L-carnitine administrations were deemed appropriate.
  • 60.7% of prescriptions had inappropriate doses outside recommended ranges.
  • The overall ADR rate was 18.03%, with gastrointestinal issues (cramps, vomiting) being most frequent.

Conclusions:

  • L-carnitine use in this NICU was largely inappropriate, particularly regarding dosing.
  • Gastrointestinal adverse events were common with L-carnitine therapy.
  • A rational use policy for L-carnitine is recommended for this NICU.

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