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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 4 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by up&up

Astaxanthin 4 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin 4 mg 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: Moderate

Astaxanthin 4 mg is a dietary supplement by up&up with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 671 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up

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.

This product contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin 4 mg per softgel capsule. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a natural pigment found in algae and seafood — used in supplements for potential benefits to aging-related conditions like cognitive decline and eye health.

The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients: soybean oil, gelatin, glycerin, carmine color, and titanium dioxide color. These are excipients that help deliver the astaxanthin and give the softgel its form and appearance.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: powerful antioxidant supporting eye and skin health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn, Skin elasticity, Skin hydration — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Aging skin, Dry eye, Sunburn.

The evidence for astaxanthin's effectiveness is not yet established. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means large, well-designed human studies haven't been done yet. If you're considering astaxanthin for a specific condition, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist what the current research shows and whether a trial makes sense for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin

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.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the red color is from the astaxanthin itself and is harmless.

At the 4 mg dose in this product, serious side effects are uncommon, but higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. Regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding: there isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during either.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 672 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.

Before you start this product, check any medications you take that are processed by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 — a large group that includes many common drugs. Use the search tool on this page to look up your specific medications.

The effect is theoretical (shown in lab work but not yet in people), but it's important to confirm nothing you're taking would be affected.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

up&up Astaxanthin 4 mg is a single-ingredient supplement that's generally well tolerated at this dose. The main caution is that it may reduce how well certain medications work by speeding up your liver's breakdown of them.

If you take any regular prescriptions or over-the-counter drugs, check them against the interaction tool below. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Skip it until you've talked with your doctor.

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 Mar 25, 2013.

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 Astaxanthin 4 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand up&up
Barcode (UPC) 070030625184
Net contents 45 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2013
DSLD ID 19950
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
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 Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up, 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:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
UPC/BARCODE
070030625184
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Carmine color, Titanium Dioxide color

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.
General Statements

ACTUAL SIZE

powerful antioxidant that may help support eye and skin health* ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT*

ANTIOXIDANT SUPPORT* Powerful antioxidants that helps protect cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.*

EXP 10/14 2LN1567

ID582498

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formula

CONTAINS: SOY

Formulation

GLUTEN FREE

General

094 02 2192 : 6N895 UW F1

Brand IP Statement(s)

(c) 2012 Target Brands, Inc.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement for adults, take one softel daily, preferably with food.

Precautions

Caution: If you are pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you are taking any medication or have a medical condition, consult your doctor before taking this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store at room temperature (59(0)F-86(0)F).

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up label

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

Astaxanthin 4 mg 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 Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up

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

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 mg per serving

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Carmine color, Titanium Dioxide color. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 4 mg?

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
671Drugs
671 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin 4 mg 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.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin 4 mg, from the product label.

up&up

See all up&up products
Name
Target Corporation
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
ZipCode
55403
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 4 mg by up&up interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 4 mg has a known interaction with 671 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astaxanthin 4 mg 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.
What exactly is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment called a carotenoid, found in algae and seafood like salmon and shrimp. It's used in supplements based on research into its potential effects on aging and health, though much of that evidence is still preliminary.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data to know whether it's safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering it and you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What side effects might I get?
Most people tolerate astaxanthin well at this dose. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. The red color comes from the astaxanthin itself and isn't harmful. Serious side effects are uncommon at 4 mg daily.
Does astaxanthin actually work for aging skin or memory?
We don't have enough reliable research data to say whether it works for those purposes. That doesn't mean it doesn't — it means large human studies haven't been completed yet. If you're interested in it for a specific reason, your doctor can discuss what the current research suggests.
Why is my stool red after taking this?
The red color comes from astaxanthin itself. It's a natural pigment and is harmless — just a visual sign that the supplement is moving through your digestive system.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 4 mg 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.

Astaxanthin 4 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 4 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin 4 mg'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 3 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.

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin 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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