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Dietary supplement

Agar Agar Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hawaii Pharm

Agar Agar label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Agar Agar against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Agar Agar is a dietary supplement by Hawaii Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation, weight loss, vegetarian gelatin substitute.Based on those ingredients, 2,022 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Hawaii Pharm Agar Agar is a one-ingredient supplement: Agar Agar Extract in dry, powdered form. The inactive ingredients are alcohol, water, and glycerin.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient Agar product and its label doesn't state a use — see Agar's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for agar agar's effectiveness in diabetes, obesity, and neonatal jaundice is insufficient and reliable. We don't have enough data to know whether it works for any of these uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Agar

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Agar agar is generally well tolerated as a food. The main caution is at supplement doses: take it with plenty of water to avoid blockage.

A thorough safety evaluation of concentrated supplement doses hasn't been done. Rarely, very high-fiber foods like agar have caused phytobezoars (fiber clumps in the gut) and esophageal or bowel obstruction, especially without enough fluid intake.

There isn't enough safety data on file regarding agar agar and pregnancy or lactation.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Agar

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Agar.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 2,023 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take any oral medications, double-check them with the interaction tool below. Agar may reduce how well your body absorbs drugs by the mouth, though the effect is minor and depends on dosing and timing.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Agar agar is a thickening agent that may work as a bulk laxative, but evidence for diabetes or weight loss is lacking. If you take oral medications, space them several hours apart from this product and drink plenty of water with it.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting, especially if you have a history of bowel obstruction or take medications that need good absorption.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 24, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Agar Agar, straight from the product label.

Brand Hawaii Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 840253600370
Net contents 4 Fluid Ounce(s); 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 24, 2023
DSLD ID 301202
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
840253600370
IngredientAmount% DV
Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder983 mg--

Other ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Hawaii Pharm Herbal Extract Highest quality since 2008

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Shake well before using. For adults add about 20-30 drops (0.7-1 mL, one full squeeze of the dropper bulb) to some juice or water, up to 4 times a day.

Precautions

Warning: We recommend to seek expert medical advice before taking.

Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredients.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

Consult your physician before giving to children under 18, during pregnancy, if nursing or taking medications.

May affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. May have contraindications, can cause side effects and adverse reactions. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children!

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

Seals/Symbols

cGMP Made in compliance with cGMP 21 CFR 111 in an FDA registered and inspected facility.

Organic Alcohol Based USA Made in United States of America

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan this QR-code to get 15% discount on your next purchase. Limited time deal.

Formula

Gelidiella acerosa

Organic Alcohol Based

Formulation

Only natural ingredients Purity is laboratory tested and verified

All the raw materials are gluten-free by their nature No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Not tested on animals

Organic Alcohol Based

Made in USA, Hawaii

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Agar Agar label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 Amounts shown are per serving.

Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder

Interacts with
2,022 drugs
983 mg per serving

Agar is a plant-based gel made from red seaweed that is widely used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin and as a source of dietary fiber. It is som...

Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Alcohol, Water, Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Agar Agar?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
2,022Drugs
2,022 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder 2,022

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Agar Agar interact with 2,022 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Agar Agar interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Agar Agar with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder1 drug type · 2,022 drugs

Oral Drugs

Agar forms a thick gel, which may disrupt the absorption of nutrients and medications. Animal research suggests that consuming a diet consisting of 5% to 10% agar alters the absorption of nutrients from the diet. In one study, consuming a diet composed of 10% agar reduced the absorption of all evaluated minerals. Theoretically, agar may also impair the absorption of oral drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Agar Agar Extract, Dry, Powder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Agar Agar, from the product label.

Hawaii Pharm

See all Hawaii Pharm products
Name
Hawaii Pharm LLC
Street Address
510 Sumner St. Ste. 613
City
Honolulu
State
HI
ZipCode
96817
Phone Number
888-854-2924
Web Address
www.hawaiipharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm: Common Questions

Does Agar Agar by Hawaii Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Agar Agar has a known interaction with 2,022 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Agar Agar contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Do I need to take agar agar at a specific time?
Yes — space it several hours away from your oral medications if you can. Agar's gel formation can interfere with drug absorption, so separating them helps. Always drink plenty of water with the agar.
Can I take this if I have a history of digestive blockages?
You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist first. Agar rarely causes blockages, but it does require plenty of water. If you've had bowel obstruction before, that's something to discuss with your provider.
Is agar agar safe to take every day?
As a food, yes. As a supplement dose, the safety data is limited. Use it with plenty of water and avoid it in concentrated amounts unless your doctor approves.
Will agar agar help me lose weight?
There isn't enough reliable evidence to say. The data we have doesn't support a clear answer about its use for weight loss.
What should I do if I feel my throat or stomach is blocked?
Stop taking it and seek medical attention. Blockage from high-fiber foods is rare but serious. This is another reason to always take agar with plenty of water.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Agar Agar is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Agar Agar label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Agar Agar’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Agar

Interacts with 2,022 drugs

Agar is a plant-based gel made from red seaweed that is widely used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin and as a source of dietary fiber. It is sometimes taken as a bulk-forming laxative...

Read the full Agar monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Agar Agar's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 13 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Agar 13 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Kondo H, Osada A. Influence of dietary fiber on the bioavailability of zinc in rats. Biomed Environ Sci. 1996 Sept;9(2-3):204-8.
  4. Romagnoli, C., Polidori, G., Foschini, M., Cataldi, L., De, Turris P., Tortorolo, G., and Mastrangelo, R. Agar in the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in the premature baby. Arch.Dis.Child 1975;50(3):202-204. PubMed
  5. Windorfer, A., Jr., Kunzer, W., Bolze, H., Ascher, K., Wilcken, F., and Hoehne, K. Studies on the effect of orally administered agar on the serum bilirubin level of premature infants and mature newborns. Acta Paediatr.Scand. 1975;64(5):699-702. PubMed
  6. Maeda, H., Yamamoto, R., Hirao, K., and Tochikubo, O. Effects of agar (kanten) diet on obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Obes.Metab 2005;7(1):40-46.
  7. Osada, T., Shibuya, T., Kodani, T., Beppu, K., Sakamoto, N., Nagahara, A., Ohkusa, T., Ogihara, T., and Watanabe, S. Obstructing small bowel bezoars due to an agar diet: diagnosis using double balloon enteroscopy. Intern.Med 2008;47(7):617-620. PubMed
  8. Kemper, K., Horwitz, R. I., and McCarthy, P. Decreased neonatal serum bilirubin with plain agar: a meta-analysis. Pediatrics 1988;82(4):631-638. DOI
  9. Meloni, T., Costa, S., Corti, R., and Cutillo, S. Agar in control of hyperbilirubinemia of full-term newborn infants with erythrocyte G-6-PD deficiency. Biol.Neonate 1978;34(5-6):295-298. PubMed
  10. Maurer, H. M., Shumway, C. N., Draper, D. A., and Hossaini, A. A. Controlled trial comparing agar, intermittent phototherapy, and continuous phototherapy for reducing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. J Pediatr. 1973;82(1):73-76.
  11. Caglayan, S., Candemir, H., Aksit, S., Kansoy, S., Asik, S., and Yaprak, I. Superiority of oral agar and phototherapy combination in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Pediatrics 1993;92(1):86-89. DOI
  12. Harmuth-Hoene, A. E. and Schelenz, R. Effect of dietary fiber on mineral absorption in growing rats. J Nutr 1980;110(9):1774-1784. PubMed
  13. Abdel-Aziz Ali SMA, Mansour Galal S, Sror SM, Hussein O, Abd-El-Haseeb Ahmed AO, Hamed EA. Efficacy of oral agar in management of indirect hyperbilirubinemia in full-term neonates. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2020:1-6. PubMed

See these in context on the Agar monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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