Carnitine supplementation prevents carnitine deficiency caused by pivalate-conjugated antibiotics in patients with epilepsy prescribed valproate

Abstract We measured carnitine levels before and after pivalate-conjugated antibiotic (PCA) use in six patients with epilepsy who were prescribed valproate (VPA). Three of the patients were on carnitine supplementation when PCA use started. Serum FC levels were within the normal range (37.2–49.0 μmol/L) in all six patients before PCA use. After PCA use, the serum free carnitine (FC) levels remained within the normal range (48.0–68.2 μmol/L) in all three patients on carnitine supplementation, but were below the normal range (18.7–30.8 μmol/L) in the three patients not on carnitine supplementation. No remarkable changes in serum VPA levels, platelet count, amylase or ammonia level was evident in any patients in relation to PCA use. Carnitine deficiency due to PCA use was prevented by carnitine supplementation in patients with epilepsy who were taking VPA. Carnitine supplementation can support patients at risk of carnitine deficiency.