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Dietary supplement

Lysine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Lysine label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Lysine 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

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Lysine is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Lysine by Higher Nature

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Lysine by Higher Nature — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Lysine by Higher Nature

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Aug 20, 2026

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 to build and repair tissues, support immune function, and help manage herpes outbreaks. The tablet also contains inactive ingredients — natural Lithothamnion calcarea, cellulose, zein protein, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are fillers and binders that help hold the tablet together.

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: essential amino acid for body health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), Genital herpes, Collagen formation, Calcium absorption.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).

Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis) — meaning there's some research backing it, though the evidence isn't conclusive. For other uses on file — child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers — we don't have enough reliable evidence 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.

Lysine is generally well tolerated at normal doses. High amounts may upset your stomach.

The most common side effects when taken by mouth are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion. There's one case report of a person developing kidney inflammation linked to long-term lysine use, though this is rare.

During pregnancy, lysine from food is fine, but we don't know enough about supplement safety to say it's okay — check with your doctor first. For breastfeeding, there isn't enough reliable information, so caution is advised and you should talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.

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, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding lysine — it may reduce the medication's effectiveness. We hold no data on interactions with other drug types for this ingredient.

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.

Lysine may help with cold sores if you want to try it. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — lysine might reduce how well it works.

High doses can cause stomach upset, and we don't have long-term safety data, so stick to normal amounts. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk it over with your doctor before starting.

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 Jun 24, 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 Lysine, straight from the product label.

Brand Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013101847
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 24, 2020
DSLD ID 224710
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 Lysine by Higher Nature, 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:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
5031013101847
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine Hydrochloride1000 mg--

Other ingredients: natural Lithothamnion calcarea, Cellulose, Zein Protein, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Formulation

Free From: Artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives, dairy products, gluten, lactose, soya, sugar, wheat, yeast.

Body health Advanced Formula Optimal Benefit

Vegetarian and vegan

Great for vegans

General Statements

This product has not been tested on animals.

Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. Essential amino acids can only be obtained from the diet.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Formula

Essential amino acid

FDA Statement of Identity

Food Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 2 tablets 1-3 times a day before food. Do not exceed recommended daily intake.

Storage

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

Precautions

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

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Lysine by Higher Nature label

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

Lysine label

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)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lysine by Higher Nature

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

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
1 drug
1000 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: Natural Lithothamnion calcarea, Cellulose, Zein Protein, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lysine by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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

L-Lysine Hydrochloride 1

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Lysine interact with 1 drug. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Lysine interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. L-Lysine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 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-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
L-Lysine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Lysine, from the product label.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd
Street Address
10 Discovery Way
City
Horam TN21 0GE
State
East Sussex
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lysine by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Lysine by Higher Nature interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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.
Does lysine actually work for cold sores?
Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores — meaning there's some research support, but the evidence isn't airtight yet. Many people use it and report good results, so it's worth trying if you're dealing with frequent outbreaks. Talk to your pharmacist about whether it makes sense for you.
What are the side effects?
Lysine is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are stomach upset — abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion — especially at higher doses. There's one rare case report of kidney inflammation linked to long-term use, but this is not common.
Is it safe to take lysine while pregnant?
Lysine from food is fine, but we don't have enough safety data on supplements during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor before starting to see if it's right for you.
Can I take lysine while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on lysine supplements while breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
How much should I take?
The facts we have focus on safety at typical doses — higher amounts are more likely to cause stomach upset. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you figure out the right amount for your situation.

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

Not sure if Lysine 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.

Lysine label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Lysine’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Lysine

Interacts with 1 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 try to prevent or shorten cold sores, but...

Read the full Lysine monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

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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