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Dietary supplement

Lysine Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BRI Nutrition

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

Lysine is a dietary supplement by BRI Nutrition 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 Lysine by BRI Nutrition

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 supplement contains one active ingredient: L-lysine, an amino acid your body uses to build proteins and support immune function. The capsule also includes vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica as inactive ingredients.

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: supports skin, lips, and immune health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Herpes labialis (cold sores), Genital herpes, Collagen formation, Protein synthesis.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lysine is rated "Possibly Effective" for Herpes labialis (cold sores) (Natural Medicines).

L-lysine is possibly effective for cold sores (herpes labialis) — the evidence suggests it may help, though more research would strengthen confidence. For child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers, we don't have enough reliable evidence yet to know 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. As a supplement, it's generally well tolerated at typical doses, but high amounts may cause stomach upset—particularly abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Long-term safety at higher doses isn't well studied. One rare case report linked oral lysine to kidney inflammation that progressed to chronic kidney damage, though this is uncommon.

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been well studied in supplement form. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 motility problems), let your doctor or pharmacist know before starting this supplement — lysine may reduce its effectiveness.

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 get frequent cold sores, this supplement has some evidence behind it and is generally well tolerated at normal doses. If you take a 5-HT4 agonist, check with your doctor or pharmacist first — the supplement may affect how well the drug works.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Same conversation with your healthcare provider before you start.

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 Dec 26, 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 BRI Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) X000PWSD5X
Net contents 180 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 26, 2020
DSLD ID 242274
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 Lysine by BRI Nutrition, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
180
UPC/BARCODE
X000PWSD5X
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Lysine500 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, 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

Suggested Use: 1 vegetable capsule taken 1 to 3 times daily between meals or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Formula

What it is: As one of the nine essential amino acids, L-Lysine is an indispensable amino acid that cannot be made by the body. Amino acids perform a variety of function and form the basis for protein. L-Lysine is commonly found in peas and other vegetables. It is used for the health and integrity of the skin & lips while also supporting a healthy immune system.

Formulation

Supports the health of you skin and lips Supports a healthy immune system Powerful & potent HCl

Quality Value Service Purity

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

This product is manufactured and packaged in a facility which may also process milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Good Manufacturing Practice Sourced from a GMP Certified Facility Quality Assured

Made in USA

General Statements

100% satisfaction guaranteed

See for yourself

Lysine by BRI Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Lysine by BRI Nutrition

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

Serving size1 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container180 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: Vegetable Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Lysine by BRI Nutrition 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

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-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 Lysine, from the product label.

BRI Nutrition

See all BRI Nutrition products
Name
BRI Nutrition LLC
Street Address
1460 Broadway
City
New York
State
NY
ZipCode
10036
Web Address
www.brinutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Lysine by BRI Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Lysine by BRI Nutrition 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.
Will lysine help me prevent or shorten cold sores?
Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores. The evidence suggests it may help, but research could be stronger. Try it for a few months and see if you notice fewer outbreaks or shorter healing times.
What are the side effects of taking lysine supplements?
Most people tolerate it well at normal doses. The main side effects are stomach-related: abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion, usually at higher amounts. Long-term safety at high doses isn't well established.
Is it safe to take lysine if I'm pregnant?
Lysine from food is fine, but supplement safety in pregnancy hasn't been well studied. Talk with your doctor before taking it—they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.
Can I take lysine while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable information on supplement lysine and breastfeeding. Check with your doctor or pharmacist first to decide whether it's right for you.
How much lysine should I take?
That depends on your reason for taking it and your health history. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend a dose that's safe for you, especially since high amounts may cause stomach upset.

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
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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