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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by XYMOGEN

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

L-Lysine is a dietary supplement by XYMOGEN 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 by XYMOGEN

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 protein synthesis and immune function. L-lysine is found in foods like poultry, eggs, and dairy, and this supplement provides a concentrated dose.

The remaining ingredients—hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, medium chain triglyceride oil, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica—are inactive excipients that form the capsule and aid absorption.

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: collagen formation and healthy skin bones cartilage.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), Pressure ulcers, Connective tissue health, 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 herpes labialis (cold sores). For other uses listed in the data—child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers—there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness, so we can't tell you whether it works for those.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Lysine

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses. At high doses, it may cause stomach upset, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion; long-term safety at elevated amounts hasn't been well studied.

There's one rare case report of oral lysine linked to kidney inflammation progressing to chronic kidney failure, though this is not established as a common risk. Supplement safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding isn't well studied, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this while pregnant or nursing.

Lysine from food sources is fine; we just don't have enough data on the supplement form in these situations.

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 drug that boosts serotonin receptor activity, sometimes used for digestive problems), check with your pharmacist before starting 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.

L-lysine is a good option if you're looking for support with cold sores, where it has some evidence behind it. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist (ask your pharmacist if you're unsure), let them know before starting this supplement.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and stick to typical doses to minimize stomach upset.

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 Feb 22, 2024.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand XYMOGEN
Barcode (UPC) 871149003371
Net contents 90 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 303737
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy 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 by XYMOGEN, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
871149003371
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine1 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Preferably on an empty stomach, take one to two capsule three times a day, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare practitioner.

Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.

Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Formula

L-Lysine is an amino acid essential in human physiology. Lysine is vital for normal growth and for the manufacture of collagen, a substance important for healthy skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage. Supplemental lysine may be appropriate for individuals on a high-arginine diet.

An essential amino acid

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.

Storage

Storage: Keep closed in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children.

Formulation

Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.

Vegetarian Caps

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2019 Xymogen

Xymogen Exclusive Professional Formulas

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian Caps ePV (ePedigree Verification)

Third-Party Verified GMP Compliant

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Scan to Learn More! This package is completely recyclable

See for yourself

L-Lysine by XYMOGEN label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine by XYMOGEN

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Lysine

Interacts with
1 drug
1 Gram(s) 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: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine by XYMOGEN Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine?

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 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, from the product label.

XYMOGEN

See all XYMOGEN products
Name
XYMOGEN Exclusive Professional Formulas
Street Address
6900 Kingspointe Pkwy.
City
Orlando
State
FL
ZipCode
32819
Phone Number
800-647-6100
Web Address
www.xymogen.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine by XYMOGEN: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine by XYMOGEN interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine 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 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 herpes labialis (cold sores) based on the evidence we have. It's not a guarantee, but there's enough research to suggest it may help. If you try it, give it time and stick to the dose on the label.
What are the most common side effects?
Orally, the main ones are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. These typically happen at higher doses. Starting at the label dose and staying there should keep your stomach happy.
Is L-lysine safe long-term?
At typical doses, it's generally well tolerated. The long-term safety of high-dose supplements hasn't been well studied, so don't exceed the recommended amount without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Supplement safety in pregnancy isn't well studied, so there isn't enough data to know either way. Talk with your doctor first before taking it. Lysine from food sources is fine—this caution is just about the supplement form.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking L-lysine?
There isn't enough reliable information on supplement use while breastfeeding, so caution is advised. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it if you're nursing.
What's in this besides the lysine?
The capsule and other inactive ingredients are hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, medium chain triglyceride oil, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, and silica. These are standard binders and fillers to hold the supplement together.

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

Not sure if L-Lysine 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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Lysine'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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