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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature Made

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

L-Lysine 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Nature Made 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 500 mg by Nature Made

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, an amino acid your body uses for building proteins and immune function. Each tablet or pill delivers 500 mg.

The inactive ingredients are cellulose gel, stearic acid, methylcellulose, silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and polyethylene glycol — these are fillers and binders that help form and hold the tablet together.

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 — see Lysine's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: supports synthesis of proteins.
  • We looked for evidence on: protein metabolism, amino acid metabolism, muscle protein synthesis.
  • The closest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Muscle strength (Natural Medicines).

L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis), meaning some evidence supports its use, though the strength of that evidence is modest. For child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers, we don't have enough reliable evidence to know whether it works — these uses aren't established in the data we hold.

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.

L-lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses. High amounts may cause stomach upset, and long-term safety at high intakes hasn't been thoroughly studied.

The most common side effects reported are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. One rare case of kidney inflammation has been reported with long-term use, though it's not clear how often this might occur.

Supplement safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been well studied, so there isn't enough data to know either way. If you're pregnant or nursing and want to take L-lysine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Lysine from food is considered fine, but supplements are a different question.

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.

If you take a 5-HT4 agonist — a medication for certain digestive issues — check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product; L-lysine may reduce its effectiveness. No other medication interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check.

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. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

L-lysine is a reasonable choice if you're dealing with cold sores and want to try a supplement with some evidence behind it. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Pregnant or nursing people should talk it over with their own healthcare provider before starting, since the safety data in those situations is limited.

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 Jul 25, 2018.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature Made
Barcode (UPC) 031604016814
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2018
DSLD ID 179509
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made, 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
031604016814
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose Gel, Stearic Acid, Methylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol

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

List No. 1681 L200 Cat. 653 5A006

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Actual size

Supports synthesis of proteins - L-Lysine, an essential amino acid, plays a key role in the makeup of body proteins.

L-Lysine Tablets are made to Nature Made’s guaranteed purity and potency standards.

Formulation

No color added No artificial flavors No preservatives No yeast Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Take one tablet daily with a meal. For easier swallowing, take with water before and during ingestion.

Storage

Keep bottle tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Precautions

Store in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Do not use if imprinted seal under cap is broken or missing.

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.

See for yourself

L-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made

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 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
500 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 Gel, Stearic Acid, Methylcellulose, Silicon Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Polyethylene Glycol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made Drug Interactions

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 checker
1Drugs
1 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each 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-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 500 mg, from the product label.

Nature Made

See all Nature Made products
Name
Nature Made Nutritional Products
City
Mission Hills
State
CA
ZipCode
91346-9606
Phone Number
1-800-276-2878
Web Address
www.NatureMade.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine 500 mg by Nature Made interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine 500 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 500 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.
Will L-lysine help my cold sores?
L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores, which means there's some evidence it can help, but that evidence isn't rock-solid. It's worth trying if you're interested, but results vary from person to person.
What are the most common side effects?
Most people tolerate L-lysine well at normal doses. The side effects that have been reported are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. High doses are more likely to cause stomach upset.
Is it safe to take L-lysine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We don't have enough study data to know whether L-lysine supplements are safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Lysine from food is fine, but for the supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
Can I take this if I have kidney problems?
One rare case of kidney inflammation has been linked to long-term L-lysine use, so if you have kidney disease or concerns, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
How much L-lysine should I take?
Each tablet is 500 mg, which is a standard dose. The product facts we have don't specify the right daily amount — your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what's appropriate for your situation.

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

Not sure if L-Lysine 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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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 500 mg label
Go deeper

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

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.

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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