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Dietary supplement

L-Cysteine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

L-Cysteine 500 mg label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
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 L-Cysteine 500 mg 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

L-Cysteine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by NOW with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for morning sickness in pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (pms), preventing or treating b6 deficiency.Based on those ingredients, 502 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, L-Cysteine Hydrochloride. 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-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW

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

This product contains 3 active ingredients in each tablet: vitamin B6, vitamin C, and L-cysteine hydrochloride at 500 mg. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—microcrystalline cellulose (a binder), a vegetarian coating, silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and citric acid—to hold it together and protect it.

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.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: structural support for skin, hair and nails.
  • We looked for evidence on: Aging skin, Atrophic acne scars, Acne, Androgenic alopecia, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), nail health — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Vitamin B6 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Acne (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Vitamin B6 is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
  • Also on file: Vitamin C is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Acne, Aging skin, Atrophic acne scars.

The evidence for L-cysteine itself is limited; the data we hold shows insufficient evidence to rate it for hair loss, leg ulcers, hangover, stroke, or stomach inflammation. Vitamin B6 in this product is effective for sideroblastic anemia and vitamin B6 deficiency, likely effective for elevated homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia), and possibly effective for pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Vitamin C is effective for vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for anemia of chronic disease, atrial fibrillation, cataracts, and exercise-induced respiratory infections.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Vitamin C L-cysteine

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 2 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 well tolerated in doses under 100 mg daily. At high doses taken over time, it can cause nerve damage (sensory neuropathy), though the data we hold note it is generally considered safe at normal dietary and recommended supplement amounts.

Vitamin C is well tolerated orally and is generally safe at normal dietary and supplement doses, though very high doses can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or kidney stones in those prone to them; doses above 2 grams daily are more likely to cause side effects. L-cysteine is generally well tolerated at food amounts, but safety data on supplement-level doses over time is limited.

For pregnancy and lactation: vitamin B6 is likely safe in pregnancy, though one source notes it as possibly unsafe—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Vitamin C is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation.

L-cysteine is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation according to the data we hold.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Vitamin B6 Vitamin C L-cysteine

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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, L-cysteine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; cancer treatments; diabetes medications; Parkinson's medications.
  • For scale: 502 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 seizure medications (phenobarbital or phenytoin), blood pressure drugs, amiodarone for heart rhythm, chemotherapy agents, blood thinners like warfarin, levothyroxine for thyroid, or antidiabetes drugs. Vitamin B6 in high doses may reduce how well seizure and some blood pressure medications work.

Vitamin C may affect estrogen-containing birth control or hormone therapy, raise aluminum from supplements, reduce warfarin effectiveness, or interfere with certain chemotherapy or thyroid medication. L-cysteine may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of diabetes drugs.

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.

This product combines vitamin B6, vitamin C, and L-cysteine, each with documented interactions affecting medications for seizures, blood pressure, heart rhythm, chemotherapy, blood thinning, thyroid function, and blood sugar control. If you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication—especially for seizures, blood pressure, heart conditions, cancer, or diabetes—run it through our interaction checker before you start.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 22, 2019.

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-Cysteine 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739000774
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 22, 2019
DSLD ID 210355
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW, 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:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
733739000774
IngredientAmount% DV
Vitamin B610 mg588%
Vitamin C60 mg67%
L-Cysteine Hydrochloride500 mg--

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Coating, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Citric Acid

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 1 tablet 1 to 3 times daily as needed.

Formula

Cysteine is a non-essential sulfur amino acid, which plays a critical role in methionine, taurine and glutathione metabolism. It is also an important component or hair, nails and the keratin of the skin. Cysteine stabilizes protein structure and aids in the formation of collagen, being thereby indispensable to skin, hair and nail health.

With Vitamins B-6 and C

Triangle K

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.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur with this product.

Structural support Healthy skin, hair and nails

Non-GMO

Not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K

GMP Quality Assured

General Statements

Amino acids Family owned since 1968.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

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

See for yourself

L-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW label

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

L-Cysteine 500 mg 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-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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
10 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

Vitamin C

Interacts with
207 drugs
60 mg per serving Form: Ascorbic Acid

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...

Vitamin C monograph & interactions

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
86 drugs
500 mg per serving

L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid your body uses to make proteins and the antioxidant glutathione. Most people get enough from food, and su...

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetarian Coating, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Citric Acid. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Cysteine 500 mg?

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
502Drugs
392 Moderate 110 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Vitamin B6 210
Vitamin C 207
L-Cysteine Hydrochloride 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in L-Cysteine 500 mg interact with 502 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

3 of the 3 ingredients in L-Cysteine 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin B6 Vitamin C L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Cysteine 500 mg 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

Vitamin C13 drug types · 207 drugs

Alkylating Agents

Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Aluminum

Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Antitumor Antibiotics

Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Warfarin (Coumadin)

High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aspirin

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Niacin

Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.

Likelihood Possible Evidence A
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Vitamin C full monograph & interactions

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking L-cysteine supplements with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that L-cysteine can have hypoglycemic effects.

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

Brand information

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

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW: Common Questions

Does L-Cysteine 500 mg by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Cysteine 500 mg has a known interaction with 502 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Cysteine 500 mg 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 on birth control or hormone therapy?
The vitamin C in this product may increase blood levels of estrogens, including those in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you have concerns about breakthrough bleeding or other changes.
What's L-cysteine supposed to do?
The data we hold don't establish reliable evidence that L-cysteine works for any particular condition—claims about hair loss, hangover, or other uses lack solid support in the trials we have on file. It's an amino acid, but what it actually does in your body at supplement doses remains unclear.
Is vitamin B6 safe at this dose?
Vitamin B6 is well tolerated in doses under 100 mg daily. This product is 500 mg per serving, which is above that threshold. Very high doses of vitamin B6 taken over time can damage nerves. The data we hold note it's generally safe at normal recommended amounts, but at higher doses caution is advised—talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Vitamin B6 and vitamin C are both likely safe in pregnancy at normal amounts, and L-cysteine is also listed as likely safe. However, vitamin B6 is also noted as possibly unsafe in one source. Because the data are mixed and pregnancy is individual, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
What are the most common side effects?
At high doses, vitamin B6 can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nerve problems. Vitamin C can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, heartburn, and headache, especially at doses above 2 grams daily. L-cysteine has no adverse effects listed in our data.
Can I take this with my thyroid medication?
The vitamin C in this product can increase how much of your levothyroxine (thyroid medication) your body absorbs, which may change your thyroid hormone levels and your TSH. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting; you may need a dose adjustment or timing change.

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-Cysteine 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Cysteine 500 mg’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

Vitamin C

Interacts with 207 drugs

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...

Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

L-cysteine

Interacts with 86 drugs

L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid your body uses to make proteins and the antioxidant glutathione. Most people get enough from food, and supplements are usually well tolerated, bu...

Read the full L-cysteine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Cysteine 500 mg'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 85 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
  14. Vasile A, Goldberg R, Kornberg B. Pyridoxine toxicity: report of a case. J Am Osteopath Assoc 1984;83:790-1. DOI
  15. Hansson O, Sillanpaa M. Pyridoxine and serum concentration of phenytoin and phenobarbitone. Lancet 1976;1:256. DOI
  16. Jansen T, Romiti R, Kreuter A, Altmeyer P. Rosacea fulminans triggered by high-dose vitamins B6 and B12. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:484-5..
  17. Chittumma P, Kaewkiattikun K, Wiriyasiriwach B. Comparison of the effectiveness of ginger and vitamin B6 for treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized double-blind controlled trial. J Med Assoc Thai 2007;90:15-20.
  18. Hatzitolios, A., Iliadis, F., Katsiki, N., and Baltatzi, M. Is the anti-hypertensive effect of dietary supplements via aldehydes reduction evidence based? A systematic review. Clin Exp.Hypertens. 2008;30(7):628-639. PubMed
  19. Vasdev, S., Ford, C. A., Parai, S., Longerich, L., and Gadag, V. Dietary vitamin B6 supplementation attenuates hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mol.Cell Biochem. 1999;200(1-2):155-162.
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Vitamin C 51 references
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L-cysteine 2 references
  1. Dowlati Y, Maheux M, Meyer JH. The effect of oral L-cysteine on breast milk and plasma cysteine concentrations. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020;16:3163-3172.
  2. Lee S, Han KH, Nakamura Y, et al. Dietary L-cysteine improves the antioxidative potential and lipid metabolism in rats fed a normal diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2013;77(7):1430-4.

See these in context on the L-cysteine monograph →

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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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