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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 5 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Sundown Naturals

Astaxanthin 5 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Astaxanthin 5 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 5 mg is a dietary supplement by Sundown Naturals 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 5 mg by Sundown Naturals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals

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 16, 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.

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin, a carotenoid (plant pigment) extracted from algae. The softgel capsule also holds sunflower seed oil, gelatin, and vegetable glycerin as inactive ingredients to deliver and stabilize the astaxanthin.

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 Astaxanthin product and its label doesn't state a use — see Astaxanthin'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 we hold for astaxanthin doesn't establish reliable benefit yet. The research on age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration (vision loss in older eyes), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome all rates as insufficient.

That doesn't mean astaxanthin won't help—it means the studies so far aren't robust enough to confirm it does. Talk to your doctor if you're considering it for a specific concern.

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.

At the 5 mg dose in this product, adverse effects appear mild, but at higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of users. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The safety data advise against use in both situations. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this supplement.

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 taking this product, check your medications against the search tool below. Astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs broken down by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes in your liver (Moderate severity), potentially making them less effective.

This effect is theoretical in humans but seen in lab studies. If you take any prescription medication, confirm with your doctor or pharmacist first.

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. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Astaxanthin may be worth considering if you're interested in antioxidant support, but the evidence for specific benefits isn't established yet. If you take any medications metabolized through your liver—especially heart drugs, immunosuppressants, statins, or antihistamines—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.

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, 2014.

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 5 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Sundown Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 030768503550
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 25, 2014
DSLD ID 31507
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, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 5 mg by Sundown Naturals, 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:
2 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
15
UPC/BARCODE
030768503550
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin10 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Contains <2% of

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: FOR ADULTS, TAKE TWO (2) SOFTGELS DAILY, PREFERABLY WITH A MEAL.

General Statements

As a reminder, discuss the supplements and medications you take with your health care providers.

Naturally Occurring Carotenoid Supports Antioxidant Health*

Smart Facts As an antioxidant, Astaxanthin is perfect for busy and active lifestyles.* Antioxidants help fight free radicals throughout the body to support overall health and wellness.*

Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Precautions

WARNING: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

TAMPER RESISTANT: DO NOT USE IF SEAL UNDER CAP IS BROKEN OR MISSING.

Storage

STORE AT ROOM TEMPERATURE AND AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT.

Seals/Symbols

PLEASE RECYCLE

GUARANTEED LABORATORY TESTED QUALITY

General

Prod. No. 50355 00A B36202 HAA

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2011

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.

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals label

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

Astaxanthin 5 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 5 mg by Sundown Naturals

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

Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container15 Amounts shown are per serving.

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
10 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis

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: Sunflower seed Oil, Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Contains <2% of. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 5 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 5 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 5 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 5 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 5 mg, from the product label.

Sundown Naturals

See all Sundown Naturals products
Web Address
www.sundownnaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 5 mg by Sundown Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 5 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 5 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 is astaxanthin and where does it come from?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid—a natural pigment found in algae. This supplement extracts it from that source. It's an antioxidant, meaning it may help neutralize harmful molecules in your body, though the specific health benefits in humans aren't yet proven.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, there isn't enough safety data. The safety information advises against astaxanthin during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you in these situations.
What side effects might I experience?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. At the 5 mg dose, these are typically mild, but at much higher doses some people have had severe stomach pain.
Does astaxanthin actually work for anti-aging or brain health?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish that yet. Studies on age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome all rate as insufficient. That means more research is needed.
Is this product safe long-term?
Astaxanthin appears well tolerated in short-term studies, but we don't have solid long-term safety data. If you're thinking of taking it regularly, that's worth discussing with your doctor.
How many active ingredients does this have?
Just one: astaxanthin. The other ingredients—sunflower seed oil, gelatin, and vegetable glycerin—are inactive; they're there to deliver the astaxanthin and keep the softgel stable.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 5 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 5 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 5 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 5 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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