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Dietary supplement

L-Lysine HCL Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Priority One Nutritional Supplements

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

L-Lysine HCL is a dietary supplement by Priority One Nutritional Supplements 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 Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements

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 hydrochloride, an amino acid your body uses for protein building and immune function. The capsule also holds silicon dioxide (an inert flow agent) and is made from vegetarian cellulose.

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 for herpes labialis and protein metabolism.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), genital herpes, wound healing, collagen synthesis.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence here is mixed. L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis) — the research suggests it may help if you take it regularly.

For other uses like supporting child growth, pressure ulcers, or diabetic foot ulcers, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say 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.

Lysine from food is safe, and the supplement is generally well tolerated at typical doses. High amounts may cause stomach upset, and long-term safety hasn't been thoroughly studied.

During pregnancy, the safety data on lysine supplements isn't established — talk with your doctor first. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information either, so caution is advised and you should check with your doctor or pharmacist.

There's also one rare case report of a person who developed kidney problems linked to high-dose oral lysine, though this is uncommon.

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 conditions), check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding L-lysine — it may reduce how well the drug works. For all other medications, no interactions are documented in our data.

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 reasonable option if you're looking for support with cold sores, where the evidence leans toward it being possibly effective. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk it over with your healthcare provider first, since the safety data isn't complete.

For any other questions about whether it's right for you, your doctor or pharmacist can help.

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 Oct 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about L-Lysine HCL, straight from the product label.

Brand Priority One Nutritional Supplements
Barcode (UPC) 815354020822
Net contents 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 23, 2020
DSLD ID 236797
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements, 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 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
815354020822
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine Hydrochloride500 mg--

Other ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, Vegetarian Capsule

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.
Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or breast feeding consult your physician before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: Take (1) one capsule four times daily or as directed by a physician.

Storage

Keep container tightly closed, store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Contains no preservatives.

Vegetarian formulation

Non-GMO

General Statements

Bisphenol-A (BPA) & Phthalate Free

Priority One Nutritional Supplements Inc since 1988

For professional use only.

Seals/Symbols

GMP Certified

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements

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

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

L-Lysine Hydrochloride

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 Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Silicon Dioxide, Vegetarian Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Lysine HCL?

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 HCL with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Lysine Hydrochloride1 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 HCL, from the product label.

Priority One Nutritional Supplements

See all Priority One Nutritional Supplements products
Name
Priority One Nutritional Supplements, Inc.
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements: Common Questions

Does L-Lysine HCL by Priority One Nutritional Supplements interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Lysine HCL 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 HCL 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 — meaning some research shows benefit, but it's not a sure thing. Taking it regularly may help, especially if you're prone to cold sores. Your results may vary.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate it well. The main side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion — usually at higher doses. If you notice stomach upset, dial back the amount or talk to your pharmacist.
Is it safe to take while pregnant?
Lysine from food is fine, but we don't have enough safety data on the supplement during pregnancy. Check with your doctor first so you can make the right call for you and your baby.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on lysine supplements and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it's okay for your situation.
How much can I safely take?
The facts don't specify a dose, so ask your pharmacist what's right for your age, health, and goals. Keep in mind that high amounts may upset your stomach.

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

Not sure if L-Lysine HCL 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 HCL label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Lysine HCL'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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