Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that the body cannot produce on its own and must be obtained through diet or supplementation. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis, calcium absorption, and collagen formation, supporting bone health, muscle tissue repair, and immune function.
Lysine is an essential amino acid supplement used to support protein synthesis, calcium absorption, and immune function.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B05BA01
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Lysine
- Class
- atc-b05
- Brands
- Freamine III 10, Clinimix E 4.25/10, Aminosyn II 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn 8.5 % with Electrolytes, Sulfite-Free, Trophamine 10 %, Trophamine 6 %, Plenamine, Prosol, PremaSol, L-Formula, Aminosyn II 15%, Aminosyn II 8.5 %, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn II 10 %, Aminosyn-HBC 7 %, Sulfite-Free, Aminosyn-PF 10 %, Sulfite-Free
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- N
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 2
- Onset (min)
- 45
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral, intravenous
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, powder, solution for injection
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia
- Monitoring
- renal function, electrolytes
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
6 groupspregnancy
all trimestersuse under medical supervision
supplemental lysine may be used during pregnancy if deficiency is confirmed, otherwise dietary intake is preferred
regular prenatal check-ups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
lysine is naturally present in breast milk, supplementation generally safe if needed
standard lactation monitoring
pediatric_age
infants childrenage-appropriate dosing based on weight
commonly used in pediatric parenteral nutrition formulas for infants and children
growth and developmental monitoring
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
may support muscle protein synthesis in elderly, particularly useful in malnutrition
renal function monitoring recommended
renal_impairment
moderate severereduce dose in severe impairment
use cautiously in advanced renal disease, monitor nitrogen balance
regular renal function tests, serum amino acid levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
cirrhosismonitor closely
use in hepatic encephalopathy with caution, may need specialized amino acid formulations
liver function tests, ammonia levels, neurological status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Lysine is classified as an essential amino acid used in parenteral nutrition
Primary use
Used in amino acid injection solutions for patients requiring intravenous nutrition
Common formulations
Available as component of amino acid injection preparations
Commonly prescribed since
Amino acid injection products have been available since the 1980s
Used as a dietary supplement to support protein synthesis, enhance calcium absorption, promote collagen formation, and potentially reduce recurrence of herpes simplex virus (cold sores). Often used by athletes for muscle recovery and by individuals with lysine-deficient diets.
As an essential amino acid, lysine is incorporated into proteins throughout the body and supports the absorption of calcium and other minerals. It may inhibit arginine, an amino acid that some viruses use for replication.
Lysine is generally well-tolerated but high doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. It should be used as a supplement under healthcare guidance, particularly for individuals with kidney or liver disease. Natural sources include meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy