Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution
L-Arginine Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, diarrhea, bloating) especially above 10 g/day
- May lower blood pressure — caution with antihypertensive medications
- Potential to reactivate herpes virus in susceptible individuals
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- Antihypertensive medications — additive blood pressure lowering effect
- Nitrates and PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil) — risk of excessive hypotension
- Anticoagulants — may enhance antiplatelet effects
- Potassium-sparing diuretics — arginine may increase potassium levels
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: Up to 20 g/day used in clinical studies; GI side effects common above 10 g/day
References
- Dong JY, Qin LQ, Zhang Z, et al. (2011). Effect of oral L-arginine supplementation on blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. American Heart Journal. DOI PubMed
- Rhim HC, Kim MS, Park YJ, et al. (2019). The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sexual Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Schwedhelm E, Maas R, Freese R, et al. (2008). Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of oral L-citrulline and L-arginine. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. DOI PubMed