Lysine and oral essential amino acids are essential nutrients the body needs to make protein. Lysine or lysine cannot be produced by the body itself, but can be obtained through consumption of foods containing this amino acid, such as animal protein, milk, cheese, yogurt., and nuts.
Lysine and oral essential amino acids are useful for helping children grow, replace muscle tissue, increase calcium absorption, and shape carnitine. Carnitine is an important substance that is present in almost every cell and is in charge of helping the delivery of fatty acids between cells for further conversion into energy.
Lysine is also believed to block the arginine needed by the herpes simplex virus to reproduce. That way, the speed of growth of this virus can be slowed and the symptoms of sores in the mouth due to this viral infection are expected to subside. In Indonesia, oral supplements of lysine and essential amino acids are available in the form of caplets and syrups.
Oral essential amino acid and lysine trademarks: Aminoral, Aminefron, Ferobion, Ferofort, Ketosteril, Keto-G, Lysovit, Lycalvit, Prorenal
What is Lysine and Oral Essential Amino Acids
| group | Prescription and over-the-counter drugs |
| Category | Dietary Supplements |
| Benefit | Meets the need for lysine and is believed to be able to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence of herpes labialis and treat metabolic alkalosis |
| Consumed by | Adults and children |
| Lysine and oral essential amino acids for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown fetal side effects, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether or not lysine and amino acids are absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Medicine Form | Sugar-coated caplets, film-coated caplets and syrup |
Precautions Before Taking Lysine and Oral Essential Amino Acids
Before taking supplements containing lysine and oral essential amino acids, there are several things you need to pay attention to, namely:
- Do not use this supplement if you have high lysine levels (hyperlysinemia). Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have osteoporosis, kidney disease, high cholesterol levels, high calcium levels (hypercalcemia), heart and blood vessel disease, or amino acid metabolism disorders, such as lysinuric protein intolerance.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products, especially if you are taking calcium supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug and an overdose after taking lysine supplements.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Lysine and Oral Essential Amino Acids
The dose of lysine prescribed by the doctor may vary for each patient. Here are common lysine dosages based on their intended use:
Purpose: Meet the need for lysine
- Mature: 500–000 mg per day.
Purpose: Relieves the symptoms of herpes labialis
- Mature:000–9000 mg per day, divided into several doses.
Purpose: Prevent the recurrence of herpes labialis
- Mature: 500–500 mg per day.
Purpose: Treats high levels of bicarbonate in the blood (metabolic alkalosis)
- Mature: 10 grams per day, divided into several doses. Consume for 5 days.
How to Take Lysine and Oral Essential Amino Acids Correctly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging to take this supplement.
Take lysine in the form of whole caplets to be more effective. To make it easier to swallow, take this supplement with the help of water.
If you are going to take lysine in syrup form, shake the medicine bottle first. Use the measuring spoon provided in the package for the appropriate dose. If a measuring spoon is not available, use a teaspoon to take the medicine.
If you forget to take lysine, take it immediately if the time lag with the next dose is not too close. When it is close, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Store lysine in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Lysine and Oral Essential Amino Acid Interaction with Other Drugs
Lysine supplements can cause drug interactions if taken together with certain drugs or supplements. Some of the drug interactions that can occur are:
- Increased absorption of calcium supplements
- Decreased levels and effectiveness of lysine when used with high doses of arginine
- Decreased efficacy of prucalopride or firmerod
Lysine Side Effects and Dangers and Oral Essential Amino Acids
Side effects that may arise after taking lysine are nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse.
You should also stop using this medicine immediately if you experience an allergic reaction which can be characterized by the appearance of an itchy skin rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or eyelids.