Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

L-Lysine 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by up&up

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 up&up 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 up&up

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 1 active ingredient: L-lysine (500 mg per tablet). L-lysine is an amino acid—one of the building blocks your body uses to make proteins.

The tablet also includes several inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, stearic acid, calcium silicate, and magnesium stearate, which help form and stabilize the tablet.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support healthy skin and tissue maintenance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), Pressure ulcers, collagen formation, wound healing.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lysine is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Pressure ulcers.

L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis)—the evidence suggests it may help, though more research would strengthen that conclusion. For other uses listed—child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers—we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to rate whether it works.

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. At higher amounts, some people report stomach upset, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Long-term safety at high doses hasn't been well studied. For pregnancy, the safety of L-lysine supplements hasn't been adequately studied, so you should check with your doctor first; food sources of lysine are fine.

For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information to know either way—talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

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 that works on serotonin receptors in the gut), double-check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding L-lysine—it may reduce how well the medication works.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

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.

If you're thinking about L-lysine for cold sores, the evidence suggests it's worth a try. It's generally well tolerated, though high doses may cause stomach upset.

If you take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting. And if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk it over with them first.

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 Mar 25, 2013.

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 up&up
Barcode (UPC) 070030624637
Net contents 100 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2013
DSLD ID 19972
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, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 up&up, 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
070030624637
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine500 mg--

Other ingredients: L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate

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.
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.

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.

General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

helps support healthy skin, collagen and tissue maintenance* RESTORE

Laboratory tested to meet strict quality control standards for potency, purity and disintegration.

Shop Target.com

RESTORE L-lysine is an essential amino acid that cannot be made by the body.* L-lysine is one of the most crucial building blocks for protein.* Proteins play a role in constructing and maintaining the critical structures and functions of the body.* L-lysine also supports the health and integrity of the skin.*

EXP 07/15 2HN1526

ID482463

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Formulation

No yeast, wheat, milk or milk derivatives, lactose, sugar, preservatives, artificial flavor, sodium.

GLUTEN FREE

Brand IP Statement(s)

(c) 2012 Target Brands, Inc.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement for adults, take one tablet daily with the meal of your choice.

Precautions

Consult your doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or nursing baby, or if you are taking ANY medication, are planning any medical procedure or have a medical condition.

Storage

Store in a dry place at room temperature (59(0)-86(0)F).

General

094 02 1319 : 68778 UW F1

See for yourself

L-Lysine 500 mg by up&up 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 up&up

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

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: L-Lysine Hydrochloride, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Stearic Acid, Calcium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine 500 mg by up&up 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.

up&up

See all up&up products
Name
Target Corporation
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
ZipCode
55403
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine 500 mg by up&up: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine 500 mg by up&up 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?
The evidence suggests it's possibly effective for cold sores. That means research points to a benefit, but we'd like more studies to be sure. It's worth trying if you're prone to them, but results vary from person to person.
What are the most common side effects?
At typical doses, L-lysine is generally well tolerated. At higher amounts, some people experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion. If you notice any of these, lower your dose or stop and talk with your pharmacist.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The supplement safety data for pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't well studied yet. Getting lysine from food is fine, but before taking the supplement, talk with your doctor—they can weigh the potential benefit against what we don't know and give you personalized advice.
Is L-lysine the only ingredient in this tablet?
L-lysine is the active ingredient. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and magnesium stearate, which help form the tablet—they're not meant to have a therapeutic effect.

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.

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

Keep exploring