LYSINE
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Lysine, also called L-lysine, is an essential amino acid that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from the diet(1). It can be found in the natural health product section of most pharmacies. Lysine comes in both a topical and an oral formulation. Primary literature for lysine as a treatment or preventative therapy for herpes labialis is conflicting. Lysine may reduce the duration of the lesion when applied topically or taken orally. Lysine taken prophylactically may reduce the frequency, severity, and number of lesions(2). Further trials are required to confirm its efficacy in cold sores. Despite lacking evidence, lysine can be considered a natural alternative to standard therapy. It is well tolerated and considered safe for those who do not have kidney or liver disease and are not taking aminoglycosides(1).
Bottom Line: Evidence is inconclusive for the use of lysine in cold sores treatment and prophylaxis. However, it may be used as a natural alternative to standard therapy.
References
Lysine, also called L-lysine, is an essential amino acid that cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from the diet(1). It can be found in the natural health product section of most pharmacies. Lysine comes in both a topical and an oral formulation. Primary literature for lysine as a treatment or preventative therapy for herpes labialis is conflicting. Lysine may reduce the duration of the lesion when applied topically or taken orally. Lysine taken prophylactically may reduce the frequency, severity, and number of lesions(2). Further trials are required to confirm its efficacy in cold sores. Despite lacking evidence, lysine can be considered a natural alternative to standard therapy. It is well tolerated and considered safe for those who do not have kidney or liver disease and are not taking aminoglycosides(1).
Bottom Line: Evidence is inconclusive for the use of lysine in cold sores treatment and prophylaxis. However, it may be used as a natural alternative to standard therapy.
References
- Micromedex [Internet]. Lysine. Updated 2002. Available from http://www.micromedexsolutions.com/home/dispatch. Accessed June 29, 2014.
- Conklin JS. Chapter 92: Cold Sores. In: Patient Self-Care – helping your patient make therapeutic choices. 2nd ed. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2010:489-493.
- Repchinsky C, Acharya S, Paguaga G, et al. Mouth products: cold sores and canker sores. In: Products for Minor Ailments 1st ed. Canadian Pharmacists Association; 2013:132