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Dietary supplement

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin 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 & Zeaxanthin 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 & Zeaxanthin is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 751 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, OmniXan Zeaxanthin. 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 & Zeaxanthin by Swanson

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin 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 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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid (a plant pigment) that acts as an antioxidant, and OmniXan Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid that concentrates in the eye.

The softgel capsule also contains inactive ingredients including sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, sunflower lecithin, beeswax, safflower oil, purified water, and mixed tocopherols (a form of vitamin E).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — rated "Possibly Effective" (Zeaxanthin) (Natural Medicines).

For zeaxanthin, the evidence suggests it may be effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For astaxanthin, the data we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate its effectiveness for age-related cognitive decline, AMD, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Zeaxanthin also lacks sufficient evidence for cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, asthma, breast cancer, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Zeaxanthin

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 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both ingredients are generally well tolerated at typical doses. Astaxanthin's most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools; at higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in isolated cases.

Long-term safety data for astaxanthin are limited. During pregnancy, the safety data for astaxanthin are not sufficient, so it's best to avoid it; zeaxanthin carries a caution for pregnancy since concentrated supplements haven't been well studied, though dietary amounts from food are fine.

While breastfeeding, astaxanthin safety data are lacking, so it's best to avoid it; zeaxanthin similarly lacks enough data on concentrated supplements, though food sources are fine.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Zeaxanthin

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astaxanthin, Zeaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 752 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.

Check your medications if you take drugs broken down by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes (Moderate severity) — this includes many statins, some blood pressure medications, and immunosuppressants. Also double-check if you're on antidiabetes medications (Moderate severity), as zeaxanthin may theoretically increase low blood sugar risk.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This combination may appeal to you if you're interested in eye health, particularly for macular degeneration — zeaxanthin has the strongest evidence. If you take any medications, especially those processed by your liver (statins, blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or antidiabetes drugs), check with your pharmacist first.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor before starting.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

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 & Zeaxanthin, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614029252
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 265003
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, 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 & Zeaxanthin 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)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
087614029252
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--
OmniXan Zeaxanthin4 mg--

Other ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Water, Purified, mixed Tocopherols

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

Visit our website at www.swanson.com

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

Brand IP Statement(s)

OmniXan is a registered trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd.

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

Consult your healthcare provider 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.

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.

Formulation

Eye and Vision Health Antioxidant Blend

Made in Canada

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin by Swanson label

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

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin 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 & Zeaxanthin by Swanson

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

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

OmniXan Zeaxanthin

Interacts with
86 drugs
4 mg per serving

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The stron...

OmniXan Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Lecithin, Beeswax, Safflower Oil, Water, Purified, Mixed Tocopherols. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin?

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
751Drugs
751 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671
OmniXan Zeaxanthin 86

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin interact with 751 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 2 ingredients in Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin OmniXan Zeaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin with known interactions, here are the types of medications they 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

OmniXan Zeaxanthin1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
In an animal diabetic model, zeaxanthin has hypoglycemic effects. However, population research has found that increasing intake of dietary zeaxanthin plus lutein does not decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
OmniXan Zeaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin, 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
swanson.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin has a known interaction with 751 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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.
Will this help with my eyesight or eye disease?
Zeaxanthin in this product has evidence suggesting it may be effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Astaxanthin's effectiveness for eye conditions or other uses is not established in the data we hold.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or nursing?
For astaxanthin, safety data aren't sufficient during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it's best to avoid it in both cases. For zeaxanthin, food amounts are fine, but concentrated supplements haven't been well studied in pregnancy or while nursing, so talk with your doctor for personalized advice.
What side effects might I experience?
Astaxanthin may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools at typical doses. Higher doses have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. Zeaxanthin hasn't reported adverse effects in the data we hold.
Is there anything else in this supplement besides the active ingredients?
Yes — the softgel contains several inactive ingredients including sunflower oil, gelatin, glycerin, sunflower lecithin, beeswax, safflower oil, water, and mixed tocopherols, which help preserve the formula.
How do I know if it's safe with my blood pressure or diabetes medication?
Astaxanthin may theoretically decrease how well your liver clears certain medications, and zeaxanthin may increase low blood sugar risk with antidiabetes drugs. Use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescriptions, or ask your pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin 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 & Zeaxanthin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin’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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Zeaxanthin

Interacts with 86 drugs

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that, along with lutein, concentrates in the macula of the eye and may help support long-term eye health. The strongest evidence relates to slowing progres...

Read the full Zeaxanthin monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Astaxanthin & Zeaxanthin'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 7 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 →

Zeaxanthin 4 references
  1. Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
  2. Leermakers ET, Darweesh SK, Baena CP, et al. The effects of lutein on cardiometabolic health across the life course: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Clin Nutr 2016;103(2):481-94. PubMed
  3. Kou L, Du M, Zhang C, Dai Z, Li X, Zhang B. The Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Diabetic Nephritic Activities of Zeaxanthin in Diet-Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Sprague Dawley Rats. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2017;182(3):944-955. PubMed
  4. Xu X, Zhao X, Berde Y, Low YL, Kuchan MJ. Milk and Plasma Lutein and Zeaxanthin Concentrations in Chinese Breast-Feeding Mother-Infant Dyads With Healthy Maternal Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Am Coll Nutr 2019;38(2):179-184. PubMed

See these in context on the Zeaxanthin 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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