Does L-Lysine Interact With Amoxicillin?

Does L-Lysine Interact With Amoxicillin?
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The prescription antibiotic amoxicillin is used to cure numerous types of bacterial infections. This penicillin-like antibiotic stops the growth of bacteria. L-Lysine, in contrast, is an amino acid you can obtain by eating protein-rich food or taking supplements. Consult your doctor before beginning amoxicillin therapy if you take L-Lysine or any other supplements.

Amoxicillin

Amoxicillin is effective against bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, ear and nose infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections and gonorrhea. In combination with other medications, it is also useful for eliminating Helicobacter pylori, the cause of a significant percentage of gastrointestinal ulcers. Amoxicillin doesn't work for curing viral infections, such as a viral sore throat or the flu.

L-Lysine

L-Lysine helps your body absorb calcium and is necessary for the production of collagen, which is found in bones, tendons, cartilage and skin. It also has an essential role in the body's manufacture of carnitine, which is necessary for energy production. Taking L-Lysine supplements may prevent an outbreak of cold sores or genital herpes in people with the herpes simplex virus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is unclear whether the supplements reduce symptoms once an outbreak occurs. Good food sources of L-Lysine include meat, oily fish such as salmon, dairy products, nuts, eggs, beans, lentils and peas. Drugs.com does not show any drug interactions with L-Lysine in food or supplements.

Amoxicillin Interactions

While amoxicillin does not interact with L-Lysine, it does interact with several other substances, so tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take. Some substances that interact with amoxicillin include certain other antibiotics, birth control pills, and methotrexate, a chemotherapy agent used for treating cancer, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

L-Lysine Dosage

The University of Maryland Medical Center lists standard doses of 3,000 to 9,000 milligrams per day of L-Lysine in divided doses to treat an active herpes outbreak. To prevent future outbreaks, a standard dosage is 1,000 milligrams per day. Ask your doctor about a suitable dosage, because high supplemental doses have been connected with gallstones and kidney dysfunction.

References

Article reviewed by Brigitte Espinet Last updated on: Oct 13, 2011

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