L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions
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 Mason Natural with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 169 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calcium, L-Lysine Hydrochloride. 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 Mason Natural
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural — 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 Mason Natural
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 2 active ingredients: L-lysine hydrochloride and calcium. The inactive ingredients — microcrystalline cellulose, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and silica — are used as binders, fillers, and flow agents to form the tablet.
Calcium is a mineral your body needs for bone strength, nerve function, and muscle contraction. L-lysine is an amino acid — a building block of protein — that your body gets from food and, if needed, from supplements.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
For calcium, the evidence is solid: it's effective for treating kidney failure, indigestion (dyspepsia), low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), high potassium (hyperkalemia), and likely effective for osteoporosis. For L-lysine, the data is more limited.
It's possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis), but there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate its use for child growth, pressure ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause problems. The most common oral side effects are belching, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach upset.
Rare serious concerns include kidney stones and a skin condition called calciphylaxis. There's also some concern that very high calcium intake — above 1500–2000 mg daily — may be linked to prostate cancer risk and possibly cardiovascular disease, though research on this is mixed and criticized for gaps.
L-lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses, but high amounts may cause stomach upset. The long-term safety of supplements isn't well studied.
A single case report linked oral lysine to kidney inflammation that progressed to chronic kidney failure, though this is very rare. During pregnancy, lysine from food is fine, but supplement safety isn't well studied — talk with your doctor first.
For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information, so caution is advised.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
If you take dolutegravir (Tivicay) or elvitegravir (Vitekta) for HIV, or intravenous ceftriaxone (Rocephin), do not take this product without checking with your doctor first — calcium can dangerously reduce drug levels or cause serious complications. You should also verify before starting if you're on raltegravir (Isentress), levothyroxine (Synthroid), diltiazem (Cardizem), sotalol (Betapace), calcipotriene (Dovonex), or any 5-HT4 agonist medications.
No interactions are documented for L-lysine beyond the 5-HT4 agonist concern, but the calcium interactions are significant.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
L-Lysine 500 mg can be a reasonable choice if you're looking to support cold sore healing or meet your calcium needs, and calcium's role in bone health and several medical conditions is well established. However, the calcium in this product interacts with several important medications, including HIV drugs, levothyroxine, and heart and blood pressure medications — timing and spacing matter.
Before you start, check your prescription list with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure there are no conflicts, and talk with them about whether this is the right supplement for your situation.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2022.
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 | Mason Natural |
|---|---|
| Net contents | 100 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Sep 22, 2022 |
| DSLD ID | 276920 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Mason Natural, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 72 mg | 6% |
| L-Lysine Hydrochloride | 500 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silica
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.
Brand IP Statement(s)
Mason Natural Est. 1967
Mason Natural is a registered trademark and does not refer to any product or ingredient claim.
Formulation
May support immune function
Guaranteed no added: Sugar, starch, wheat, corn, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, yeast, artificial flavors and colors, dairy, gluten, egg, fragrance, preservatives. Sodium free.
Gluten free Soy free
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Adults - Take one tablet daily, preferably with food, as a dietary supplement.
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Precautions
Caution: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your physician before use.
Discontinue use and consult your physician if any adverse reactions occur.
Keep out of reach of children.
Tamper-Evident Seal: Do not use product if seal appears tampered.
Storage
Store in a dry place under controlled room temperature: 20 degrees - 25 degrees C (68 degrees - 77 degrees F).
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural 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 Mason Natural
These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container100 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.
Calcium
Interacts with168 drugs
Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...
Calcium monograph & interactionsL-Lysine Hydrochloride
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 Hydrochloride monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural contains calcium, which interacts with a number of medications — most seriously with HIV integrase inhibitors and a cephalosporin antibiotic.
Calcium can significantly reduce blood levels of dolutegravir (Tivicay) and elvitegravir (Vitekta), and co-administration of intravenous calcium with ceftriaxone (Rocephin) can cause dangerous precipitation in the lungs and kidneys. The product also affects raltegravir (Isentress), a thyroid medication (levothyroxine), a blood pressure medication (diltiazem), a heart rhythm drug (sotalol), and a psoriasis treatment (calcipotriene) — in each case reducing effectiveness or raising the risk of high blood calcium (hypercalcemia).
Altogether, these interactions span 169 individual medications.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
The L-lysine ingredient has a minor documented interaction: it may theoretically reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists, a class of medications sometimes used for digestive symptoms. Most of the interaction burden comes from the calcium component, and timing matters — you'll need to space doses carefully if you take any of the medications listed above.
Use the medication checker on this page to search your exact prescriptions, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this supplement if you take any HIV medication, ceftriaxone, levothyroxine, a blood pressure or heart medication, or calcipotriene.
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 169 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 2 ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium L-Lysine Hydrochloride
CeftriaxoneRocephin
How Ceftriaxone interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumCeftriaxone (rocephin) Major
Interaction Summary
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Read the full Calcium + Ceftriaxone interactionCobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide FumarateGenvoya
How Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Cobicistat, Elvitegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate interactionDolutegravirTivicay
How Dolutegravir interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir interactionDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir AlafenamideDolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide
How Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Alafenamide interactionDolutegravir, RilpivirineJuluca
How Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumDolutegravir (tivicay) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Dolutegravir, Rilpivirine interactionElvitegravirVitekta
How Elvitegravir interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir interactionElvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil FumarateStribild
How Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumElvitegravir (vitekta), Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir Alafenamide (biktarvy) Major
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Read the full Calcium + Elvitegravir, Cobicistat, Emtricitabine, Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate interactionAlendronateBinosto, Fosamax
How Alendronate interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate interactionAlendronate Sodium
How Alendronate Sodium interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium interactionAlendronate Sodium, CholecalciferolFosamax Plus D
How Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Calcium + Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interactionAlginic Acid, Aluminum HydroxideRafton
How Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Alginic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Acetate, Benzethonium ChlorideBuro-Sol Otic Solution
How Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Acetate, Benzethonium Chloride interactionAluminum ChlorideAluminum Chloride, Anhydrol Forte, Driclor, Drysol
How Aluminum Chloride interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Chloride interactionAluminum HydroxideAlu-Cap, Amphojel, Gaviscon
How Aluminum Hydroxide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Maalox, Mucogel
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug)Mylanta
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Simethicone (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, CalciumDomeboro
How Aluminum, Calcium interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Calcium interactionAluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug)Almagel
How Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Magnesium (otc Drug) interactionAluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug)Wingel
How Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aluminum, Magnesium Hydroxide (otc Drug) interactionAmiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
How Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionAmphotericin, TetracyclineMysteclin-F
How Amphotericin, Tetracycline interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumTetracycline Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Read the full Calcium + Amphotericin, Tetracycline interactionAspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
How Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity.
Read the full Calcium + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAtenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic
How Atenolol, Chlortalidone interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Atenolol, Chlortalidone interactionAtenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic
How Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Atenolol, Chlorthalidone interactionAzilsartan, ChlorthalidoneEdarbyclor
How Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Azilsartan, Chlorthalidone interactionBenazepril, HydrochlorothiazideLotensin HCT
How Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Benazepril, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionBendroflumethiazideAprinox, Naturetin, Neo-NaClex
How Bendroflumethiazide interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Bendroflumethiazide interactionBendroflumethiazide, NadololCorzide
How Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol interacts with L-Lysine 500 mg — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
CalciumThiazide Diuretics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Read the full Calcium + Bendroflumethiazide, Nadolol 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 they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Calcium
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)
Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.
Aluminum
Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.
Bisphosphonates
Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)
Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.
Lithium
Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.
Raltegravir (Isentress)
Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.
Sotalol (Betapace)
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.
Thiazide Diuretics
Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.
Verapamil (Calan, Others)
Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.
L-Lysine Hydrochloride
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.
Mason Natural
See all Mason Natural products- Name
- MASON VITAMINS, INC.
- City
- Miami Lakes
- State
- FL
- ZipCode
- 33014
- Phone Number
- 1-888-860-5376
- Web Address
- www.MasonVitamins.com
L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural: Common Questions
Does L-Lysine 500 mg by Mason Natural interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm on levothyroxine for my thyroid?
Does L-lysine actually work for cold sores?
What are the side effects of taking this supplement?
Is it safe to take this while I'm pregnant?
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
How much calcium is in one tablet of this product?
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.
Calcium
Interacts with 168 drugsCalcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...
Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monographLysine
Interacts with 1 drugLysine 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 try to prevent or shorten cold sores, but...
Read the full Lysine monograph →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 69 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.
Calcium 62 references
- Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
- Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
- Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
- Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
- Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
- Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
- Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
- Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
- Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
- Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
- Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
- Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
- Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
- Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
- Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
- Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
- Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
- Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
- Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
- Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
- Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
- Bourke JF, Mumford R, Whittaker P, et al. The effects of topical calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:929-34.
- Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
- Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
- Bania TC, Blaufeux B, Hughes S, et al. Calcium and digoxin vs. calcium alone for severe verapamil toxicity. Acad Emerg Med 2000;7:1089-96. PubMed
- Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:1147-54. PubMed
- Weingarten MA, Zalmanovici A, Yaphe J. Dietary calcium supplementation for preventing colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;(1):CD003548. PubMed
- Tavani A, Bertuccio P, Bosetti C, et al. Dietary intake of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus and the risk of prostate cancer. Eur Urol 2005;48:27-33. PubMed
- Giovannucci E, Liu Y, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC. A prospective study of calcium intake and incident and fatal prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15:203-10. PubMed
- Rocephin (ceftriaxone) and calcium interaction. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2007;23(10):231005.
- Bolland MJ, Barber PA, Doughty RN, et al. Vascular events in healthy older women receiving calcium supplementation: randomised control trial. BMJ 2008;336:262-6.
- Bolland MJ, Avenell A, Baron JA, et al. Effect of calcium supplements on risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events: meta-analysis. BMJ 2010;341:c3691. PubMed
- Calcium supplementation and vascular events. Pharmacist's Letter / Prescriber's Letter 2008;24(3):240306.
- Dietary reference intakes for calcium and vitamin D. Institute of Medicine, November 30, 2010. Available at: http://www.iom.edu/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/Vitamin%20D%20and%20Calcium%202010%20Repo
- Coburn JW, Mischel MG, Goodman WG, et al. Calcium citrate markedly enhances aluminum absorption from aluminum hydroxide. Am J Kidney Dis. 1991;17(6):708-11. PubMed
- Bradley JS, Wassel RT, Lee L, et al. Intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium in the neonate: assessing the risk for cardiopulmonary adverse events. Pediatrics. 2009;123(4):e609-13. PubMed
- Kays MB, Overholser BR, Mueller BA, et al. Effects of sevelamer hydrochloride and calcium acetate on the oral bioavailability of ciprofloxacin. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003;42(6):1253-9. PubMed
- Neuhofel, A. L., Wilton, J. H., Victory, J. M., Hejmanowsk, L. G., and Amsden, G. W. Lack of bioequivalence of ciprofloxacin when administered with calcium-fortified orange juice: a new twist on an old interaction. J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;42(4):461-466. DOI
- Dickinson, H. O., Nicolson, D. J., Cook, J. V., Campbell, F., Beyer, F. R., Ford, G. A., and Mason, J. Calcium supplementation for the management of primary hypertension in adults. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2006;(2):CD004639. PubMed
- Jones, B. J. and Twomey, P. J. Requesting patterns for serum calcium concentration in patients on long-term lithium therapy. Int J Clin Pract. 2009;63(1):170-172. PubMed
- Levine, M., Nikkanen, H., and Pallin, D. J. The effects of intravenous calcium in patients with digoxin toxicity. J Emerg.Med. 2011;40(1):41-46. PubMed
- Castelo-Branco, C., Ciria-Recasens, M., Cancelo-Hidalgo, M. J., Palacios, S., Haya-Palazuelos, J., Carbonell-Abello, J., Blanch-Rubio, J., Martinez-Zapata, M. J., Manasanch, J., and Perez-Edo, L. Efficacy of ossein-hydroxyapatite complex compared with ca
- Li K, Kaaks R, Linseisen J, Rohrmann S. Associations of dietary calcium intake and calcium supplementation with myocardial infarction and stroke risk and overall cardiovascular mortality in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation i
- Chung M, Tang AM, Fu Z. Calcium Intake and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2016 Oct 25. PubMed
- Nolan CR, Califano JR, Butzin CA. Influence of calcium acetate or calcium citrate on intestinal aluminum absorption. Kidney Int. 1990;38(5):937-41. PubMed
- Lewis JR, Radavelli-Bagatini S, Rejnmark L, et al. The effects of calcium supplementation on verified coronary heart disease hospitalization and death in postmenopausal women: a collaborative meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Bone Miner Res PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Lappe J, Watson P, Travers-Gustafson D, Recker R, Garland C, Gorham E, Baggerly K, McDonnell SL. Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation on Cancer Incidence in Older Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017 Mar 28;317(12):1234-1243. PubMed
- Grove ML, Cook D. Calcium and heart attacks. Doesn't apply to most calcium prescriptions. BMJ. 2010;341:c5003. PubMed
- Insentress [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2014.
- Roberts JL, Kiser JJ, Hindman JT, Meditz AL. Virologic failure with a raltegravir-containing antiretroviral regimen and concomitant calcium administration. Pharmacotherapy 2011;31(10):298e-302e. DOI
- Vitekta [package insert]. Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc.; 2014.
- Storan ER, O'Gorman SM, Murphy A, Laing M. Case Report of Calciphylaxis Secondary to Calcium and Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> Supplementation. J Cutan Med Surg. 2017;21(2):162-163. DOI
- Jenkins DJA, Spence JD, Giovannucci EL, et al. Supplemental vitamins and minerals for CVD prevention and treatment. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018;71(22):2570-84. PubMed
- Borkenhagen JF, Connor EL, Stafstrom CE. Neonatal hypocalcemic seizures due to excessive maternal calcium ingestion. Pediatr Neurol 2013;48(6):469-71. PubMed
- WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2016 (http://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/maternal_perinatal_health/ anc-positive-pregnancy-experience/en/).
- Aune D, Navarro Rosenblatt DA, Chan DS, et al. Dairy products, calcium, and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(1):87-117. PubMed
- Lan T, Park Y, Colditz GA, et al. Adolescent dairy product and calcium intake in relation to later prostate cancer risk and mortality in the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. Cancer Causes Control. 2020;31(10):891-904. PubMed
- Zhang Y, Li Y, Liu J, et al. Association of Vitamin D or Calcium Supplementation with Cardiovascular Outcomes and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 2021;25(2):263-270. PubMed
- Myung SK, Kim HB, Lee YJ, Choi YJ, Oh SW. Calcium Supplements and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):368. PubMed
- Hetaimish B. Neonatal Calcinosis Cutis After Treatment of Hypocalcemia with Calcium Gluconate: A Report of 2 Cases. Am J Case Rep 2024;25:e943397. PubMed
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Biktarvy Prescribing Information. October 2024. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/210251Orig1s020lbl.pdf. Accessed July 16, 2025.
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