Alpha-Lipoic Acid

AL-fa li-POH-ik A-sid

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: alpha-lipoic acid, biletan, lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid, lipoicin, thioctacid, thioctan, thioctic acid

What is alpha-lipoic acid?

Alpha-lipoic acid is a chemical called an antioxidant. It is found naturally in foods such as yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. It can also be made in the laboratory.

Do not confuse this remedy with alpha-linolenic acid, which is a kind of omega-3 fatty acid found in plants.

What is it used for?


This remedy is helpful to treat:

  • Diabetes
  • Neuropathy (nerve problems)

This remedy has been taken by mouth to treat:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, or problems with the retina
  • Liver disease
  • Lyme disease
  • Wilson’s disease

This remedy has also been used on the skin to reduce wrinkles and fine lines due to sun damage.

This remedy does not appear to help treat or prevent alcoholic liver disease or heart problems.


How is it taken?

Alpha-lipoic acid comes in the form of tablets, capsules, or cream. Check the label on the package for the specific dose. It may also be given by injection (shot) under your healthcare provider's supervision.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use alpha-lipoic acid if you have:

  • Thiamine deficiency (more common in people who drink a lot of alcohol)
  • Thyroid disease

If you have HIV, tell your healthcare provider you are taking alpha-lipoic acid. This remedy may affect your blood tests.




  • Natural remedies are not always safe.
  • Natural remedies are not standardized. They may be contaminated. They may also have different strengths and effects.

What are the possible side effects?



Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): High doses may cause tingling or numbness in hands and feet.

Other: Rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache.

What products might interact with this remedy?


  • Diabetes medicines such as glipizide (Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), repaglinide (Prandin), and rosiglitazone (Avandia)
  • Medicines used to treat cancer such as cisplatin, doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil), hydroxyurea (Hydrea), vinblastine, and vincristine (Vincasar)
  • Natural remedies such as ephedra, ginger, gotu kola, stinging nettle, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, ginseng, and psyllium
  • Thyroid medicines such as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid), liothyronine (Cytomel, Triostat), liotrix (Thyrolar), and thyroid (Armour Thyroid)
  • Vitamin E

Do NOT drink alcohol while taking this remedy unless your healthcare provider approves.





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Published by RelayHealth.