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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by KAL

Tablet Or Pill Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

L-Lysine 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by KAL with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes outbreaks, supporting protein and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 1 medication has a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Lysine. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-lysine at 1,000 mg per tablet. Lysine is an amino acid — one of the building blocks your body uses to make protein.

It's also wrapped in inactive ingredients including cellulose, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide, which help form and preserve the tablet.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: essential protein component.
  • We looked for evidence on: Protein synthesis, Collagen formation, Amino acid metabolism.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence we hold shows lysine is possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores). For other uses — child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers — the evidence isn't established in our data, so we can't rate how well it works for those.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

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.

Lysine is generally well tolerated at normal doses, though high amounts may cause stomach upset (abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion). Long-term safety from supplements hasn't been thoroughly studied.

There's one rare case report of someone developing kidney inflammation linked to lysine use, but this is not common. Lysine from food is safe in pregnancy, but supplement safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been well studied — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Lysine.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 1 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.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you use a 5-HT4 agonist, as lysine may reduce how well it works. Although this is the only interaction documented in our data, it's worth confirming your exact medications before you start.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

L-lysine may be worth considering if you're looking for something possibly effective for cold sores. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Stomach upset is the main side effect to watch for at higher doses, and long-term safety data is limited. Discuss it with your own healthcare provider before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or on any medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 22, 2021.

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-Lysine 1000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand KAL
Barcode (UPC) 021245805144
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 22, 2021
DSLD ID 254599
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL, 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)
Servings per container
100
UPC/BARCODE
021245805144
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
L-Lysine1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Titanium 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

KAL Innovative Quality Since 1932

Clear quality

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

1 Daily

Directions: Use only as directed. Take 1 tablet daily with a meal or glass of water.

Formulation

Essential protein component Free form

Discussion: High potency vegetarian formula.

KAL guarantees that no ingredients other than those listed on this label have been added to this product. ActivTab technology guarantees tablet disintegration within 30 minutes according to USP standards.

Precautions

Warning: Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Keep your licensed health care practitioner informed when using this product.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
1000 mg per serving Form: L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to t...

L-Lysine monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine 1000 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
1Drugs
1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in L-Lysine 1000 mg 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.

L-Lysine1 drug type · 1 drug

5-Ht4 Agonists

Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for L-Lysine 1000 mg, from the product label.

KAL

See all KAL products
Name
KAL
City
Park City
State
UT
ZipCode
84060
Phone Number
(800) 365-5966
Web Address
www.kalvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine 1000 mg by KAL interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine 1000 mg has a known interaction with 1 medication. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
L-Lysine 1000 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Does L-lysine actually help with cold sores?
The evidence shows it's possibly effective for herpes labialis (cold sores), so there's some support for it, though it's not a sure thing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
Lysine from food is fine in pregnancy, but supplement safety during pregnancy hasn't been well studied. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it — they can weigh the pros and cons for your situation.
What about while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on lysine supplement use while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advice tailored to your needs.
What side effects might I see?
Most commonly, stomach upset — abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion — especially at higher doses. Lysine is generally well tolerated, but long-term safety from supplements isn't well studied.
Can I take this if I'm on medications?
It depends on your medications. There's one documented interaction with 5-HT4 agonists, where lysine may reduce their effect. Use the interaction checker on this page to look up your exact drugs, or ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if L-Lysine 1000 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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-Lysine 1000 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind L-Lysine 1000 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Lysine 1000 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 7 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.

Lysine 7 references
  1. Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:659-66. PubMed
  2. McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
  3. DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
  4. Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7.
  5. Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175:183-90. DOI
  6. Lo JC, Chertow GM, Rennke H, Seifter JL. Fanconi's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis in association with L-lysine ingestion. Am J Kidney Dis 1996;28:614-7. PubMed
  7. Smriga M, Torii K. L-Lysine acts like a partial serotonin receptor 4 antagonist and inhibits serotonin-mediated intestinal pathologies and anxiety in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Dec 23;100(26):15370-5.

See these in context on the Lysine 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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