Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin 8 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Astaxanthin 8 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 8 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 8 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson 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.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson

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.

This softgel contains one active ingredient: astaxanthin 8 mg per capsule. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a natural pigment found in algae and seafood that gives them their reddish color.

The inactive ingredients are medium-chain triglycerides, gelatin, glycerin, mixed tocopherols, purified water, and carob.

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

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Immune health and antioxidant support.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence for astaxanthin is currently insufficient to establish how well it works for the conditions it's commonly used for — age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome. That doesn't mean it won't help, only that the data we hold doesn't yet support a clear claim about its effectiveness for these uses.

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 reported are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the latter is a harmless color change from the supplement itself.

At the 8 mg dose in this product, side effects appear uncommon, but higher doses have occasionally caused more severe stomach pain. There isn't enough safety data to recommend astaxanthin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing — they can help you weigh what you know about your individual situation.

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 whether you use any medications metabolized by CYP3A4 (a very common liver pathway — includes many blood pressure drugs, statins, immunosuppressants, and others) or CYP2B6 substrates. Both are Moderate severity interactions, meaning astaxanthin may lower your medication levels and reduce how well they work.

Use the search tool on this page to look up your specific medications, and confirm with your doctor or pharmacist that this product is safe alongside them.

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 is a carotenoid supplement that's generally well tolerated, but it may interact with a large number of common medications by changing how your liver processes them. If you take any prescription drugs, especially ones processed by your liver, check them against the interaction tool on this page and discuss the product with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk with your healthcare provider first.

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 Feb 25, 2019.

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 8 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614028460
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 190979
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)
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 8 mg by Swanson, 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
087614028460
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin8 mg--

Other ingredients: Medium-Chain Triglycerides, Gelatin, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, purified (deionized) Water, Carob

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

Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take one softgel per day with water.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your physician before using this or any product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains sulfites.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.

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.

General Statements

Immune Health and Antioxidant Support

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Contains sulfites.

General

SWU846 Rev 0 05 31 18

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson label

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

Astaxanthin 8 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 8 mg by Swanson

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
8 mg per serving Form: natural Astaxanthin Complex

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: Medium-Chain Triglycerides, Gelatin, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Purified (deionized) Water, Carob. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin 8 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 8 mg interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Astaxanthin 8 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 8 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 8 mg, from the product label.

Swanson

See all Swanson products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin 8 mg by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin 8 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 8 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 natural reddish pigment called a carotenoid that comes from algae and seafood. It's the compound that gives salmon and shrimp their color. In this supplement, it's concentrated into an 8 mg softgel dose.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data yet to recommend astaxanthin during pregnancy or while nursing. If you're in either situation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it — they can give you personalized advice based on your circumstances.
What side effects should I watch for?
Astaxanthin is usually well tolerated. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — the last one is just the pigment in the supplement and is harmless. Severe stomach pain is rare at this dose but has been reported at much higher doses.
Does astaxanthin actually work for anti-aging or memory?
The evidence isn't strong enough yet for us to confirm how well it works for aging skin, memory, eye health, or other common uses. That means the research isn't settled — not that it definitely doesn't work — so results vary from person to person.
Why do I need to check my medications with this?
Astaxanthin may speed up how your liver breaks down certain drugs, which could make those medications less effective. This hasn't been proven in humans yet, but the lab evidence is there, so it's worth checking your exact prescriptions with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin 8 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 8 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin 8 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 8 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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team