Lysine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 12, 2025.
What are other common names?
- 2,6-diaminohexanoic acid
- Alpha-epsilon-diaminocaproic acid
- Hydrochlorure de L-Lysine
- L-2,6-Diaminohexanoic Acid
- L-Lysine
- L-Lysine HCL
- L-Lysine Hydrochloride
- L-Lysine Monohydrochloride
- Lisina
- Lys
- Lysine HCl
- Lysine Hydrochloride
- Lysine Monohydrochloride
- Monochlohydrate de L- Lysine
- Monochlohydrate de Lysine
What is this product used for?
Lysine helps with herpes infections and cold sores. It may help increase levels of calcium in your body.
What are the precautions when taking this product?
-
Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.
-
Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.
-
Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.
-
Avoid taking a large amount of calcium supplements while taking lysine.
-
Take extra care if you are taking certain antibiotics called aminoglycosides. These are drugs like tobramycin, amikacin, or neomycin.
-
Do not take this product if you have high levels of lysine in your blood or urine.
-
Take extra care if you are taking arginine while taking lysine. Arginine can decrease the amount of lysine in your body and lysine can decrease the levels of arginine.
-
If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
-
Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:
-
Kidney problems
-
Liver problems
-
Diabetes
-
What should I watch for?
-
Upset stomach
-
Rash
Related/similar drugs
Valtrex
Valtrex is an antiviral drug used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. Learn about side ...
Zovirax
Zovirax treats viral infections caused by genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox ...
Omvoh
Omvoh is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in adults. This ...
Famvir
Famvir (famciclovir) is used to treat infections caused by herpes viruses including genital herpes ...
Sitavig
Sitavig (acyclovir) is used to treat cold sores. Includes Sitavig side effects, interactions and ...
Famciclovir
Famciclovir systemic is used for cold sores, herpes simplex, mucocutaneous/immunocompetent host ...
Milk thistle
Milk thistle systemic is used for gallbladder disease, herbal supplementation, infectious gastroenteritis
Echinacea
Echinacea systemic is used for cold symptoms, condylomata acuminata, herbal supplementation
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto systemic is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, herbal supplementation
When do I need to call the doctor?
-
Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
-
Signs of kidney problems. These include pain in your side, pain with passing urine, passing more or less urine than normal, feeling tired, or cloudiness or change in color of urine.
-
Very bad throwing up
-
Very bad belly pain
-
Very bad loose stools
Last Reviewed Date
2024-01-01Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
Frequently asked questions
More about lysine
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.