L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by CVS Health
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking L-Lysine 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
L-Lysine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by CVS Health 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.
Check Your Meds Against L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: L-lysine, an amino acid that your body uses to build and repair protein. The supplement also includes several inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, and others — that serve as fillers, binders, and tablet coatings.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis). The evidence we hold does not establish effectiveness for child growth, pressure ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Orally, L-lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses. The most common side effects reported in trials were abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion; high amounts may cause stomach upset, and long-term safety at elevated doses hasn't been thoroughly studied.
One case report linked long-term oral lysine to a kidney condition, though this is rare. Lysine from food is considered safe in pregnancy, but supplement safety in pregnancy is not well studied — talk with your doctor first.
There is not enough reliable information on supplement use while breastfeeding, so caution is advised.
Meds to double-check
Minor interactions only
Check before taking this product if you use a 5-HT4 agonist (a medication for digestive motility). This supplement may reduce how well these drugs work.
Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.
This supplement may help with cold sores if you're willing to try it based on modest evidence. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist for digestive issues, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding it.
Be aware that at high doses it can cause stomach upset, and talk with your healthcare provider about whether it's right for you — especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
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 Nov 21, 2020.
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
General information
Key facts about L-Lysine 500 mg, straight from the product label.
| Brand | CVS Health |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 050428357668 |
| Net contents | 250 Caplet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Nov 21, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 239495 |
| Product type | Amino Acid/protein |
| Supplement form | Other (e.g. Tea Bag) |
| Dietary claims / uses | Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free |
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 500 mg by CVS Health, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| L-Lysine | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Hypromellose, Polydextrose, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Vegetable Magnesium Silicate, Triglycerides
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formulation
Healthy skin Supports collagen & tissue maintenance
No yeast, wheat, gluten, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, soy, artificial color, artificial flavor, salt.
Vegetarian formula
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: For adults, take one (1) caplet two times daily, preferably on an empty stomach.
Precautions
As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.
Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.
Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children.
Tamper resistant: Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.
General Statements
CVS Quality Money back guarantee
Brand IP Statement(s)
Copyright 2018 CVS/pharmacy
Formula
L-Lysine is an important amino acid that cannot be made by the body. It supports the production of collagen and tissue maintenance, as well as healthy skin.
Storage
Store at room temperature and avoid excessive heat.
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Caplet(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Amounts shown are per serving.
L-Lysine
Interacts with1 drug
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 & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Silica, Hypromellose, Polydextrose, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Vegetable Magnesium Silicate, Triglycerides. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
CVS Health L-Lysine 500 mg has one documented drug interaction.
Through its L-lysine content, this supplement may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists (medications that work on a specific serotonin receptor in the gut). Animal research suggests lysine acts as a partial blocker of these drugs' action, though the clinical importance in humans isn't yet clear.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Altogether, these interactions span 1 individual medication.
If you take a 5-HT4 agonist — drugs like prucalopride or domperidone used for digestive motility — check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement to make sure it won't interfere with your treatment.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine 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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg interact with 1 drug. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in L-Lysine 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Lysine
TegaserodZelnorm
How Tegaserod interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
L-lysine5-ht4 Agonists Minor
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Read the full L-lysine + Tegaserod interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in L-Lysine 500 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-Lysine
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for L-Lysine 500 mg, from the product label.
CVS Health
See all CVS Health products- Name
- CVS Pharmacy, Inc.
- Street Address
- One CVS Drive
- City
- Woonsocket
- State
- RI
- ZipCode
- 02895
- Phone Number
- 1-800-746 7287
- Web Address
- CVS.com
L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health: Common Questions
Does L-Lysine 500 mg by CVS Health interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Does L-lysine actually work for cold sores?
What side effects might I have from L-lysine?
Is it safe to take L-lysine while pregnant?
Can I take L-lysine while breastfeeding?
Does this product have fillers?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if L-Lysine 500 mg is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind L-Lysine 500 mg’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
L-Lysine 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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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
- 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
- McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
- DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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