CarotoMax Ingredients & Drug Interactions
by Shaklee
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking CarotoMax 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
CarotoMax is a dietary supplement by Shaklee with 6 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for eye and vision health, skin health and acne, immune support.Based on those ingredients, 1,051 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Vitamin A, Lycopene. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against CarotoMax by Shaklee
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with CarotoMax by Shaklee — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of CarotoMax by Shaklee
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
CarotoMax contains 6 active ingredients, all carotenoids — compounds related to vitamin A that your body uses for vision, skin, and immune support. Vitamin A is the primary ingredient, included to support eye health and prevent deficiency.
The product also contains lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and astaxanthin — all plant-derived pigments known for their antioxidant properties. The softgel is made with soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and other inactive ingredients like gelatin and beeswax.
Does it work?
Moderate evidence
The evidence for this product's ingredients varies by condition. Vitamin A is effective for preventing vitamin A deficiency and possibly effective for oral leukoplakia, aging skin, measles, ulcerative colitis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are both possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts — two common eye conditions. Lycopene is possibly effective for prostate cancer but possibly ineffective for bladder cancer and diabetes.
Astaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and several other uses lack sufficient reliable evidence to rate them. If you're considering this product for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist about which ingredients might help and what the strength of that evidence really is.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Vitamin A is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, but high doses can build up in your body and become toxic — causing headaches, blurred vision, dry skin, rashes, hair loss, and in severe cases, liver damage. Lycopene supplements may cause digestive upset (diarrhea, nausea, stomach discomfort) in some people.
Lutein and zeaxanthin are generally well tolerated; lutein at doses up to 20 mg daily has not caused reported adverse effects. Astaxanthin is usually well tolerated but may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools.
For pregnancy: Vitamin A safety depends on dose — normal dietary amounts are fine, but high-dose supplements (especially as retinol) can cause birth defects and should be avoided. Lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin from food are fine in pregnancy, but supplement safety isn't well studied — talk with your doctor.
Astaxanthin has not been studied enough in pregnancy and is best avoided. For breastfeeding: Lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin from food are fine, but concentrated supplements lack safety data.
Astaxanthin should be avoided while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
Before taking CarotoMax, double-check with your pharmacist if you take retinoid medications (like isotretinoin or tretinoin) — this is a Major interaction. Also check if you take blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel), tetracycline antibiotics, diabetes medications, or any drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes.
High-dose vitamin A combined with liver-damaging drugs is also a concern.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
CarotoMax is designed as a carotenoid blend for eye and antioxidant support. If you take retinoid medications, blood thinners, tetracycline antibiotics, diabetes drugs, or liver-metabolized medications, check with your pharmacist before starting — several ingredients interact with these drug types.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor first, especially about the vitamin A and astaxanthin content.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 5 of 6 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 23, 2025.
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
General information
Key facts about CarotoMax, straight from the product 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 CarotoMax by Shaklee, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 1500 mcg | 167% |
| Lycopene | 5 mg | -- |
| Lutein | 5 mg | -- |
| Zeaxanthin | 200 mcg | -- |
| Alpha-Carotene | 1.5 mg | -- |
| Astaxanthin | 400 mcg | -- |
Other ingredients: Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Formulation
Helps protect cells from free radicals
GF Gluten free No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives
Formula
Carotenoids are potent, fat-soluble antioxidants that fight free radical damage to promote the long-term health of the eyes, prostate, cervix, heart, and immune system.
Six high-power carotenoid antioxidants to promote healthy eyes, prostate, cervix, and heart
Brand IP Statement(s)
Shaklee Since 1956 Safe Proven 100% Guaranteed
Seals/Symbols
Shaklee Since 1956 Safe Proven 100% Guaranteed
General Statements
Dr Shaklee
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Take 1 softgel daily.
Precautions
Seal under cap for your protection.
Manufactured in a facility that may also process tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, wheat, sesame, shellfish, and fish.
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.
CarotoMax by Shaklee label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
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)The Ingredients in CarotoMax by Shaklee
These are the 6 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container90 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.
Vitamin A
Interacts with387 drugs
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplemen...
Vitamin A monograph & interactionsLycopene
Interacts with122 drugs
Lycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible hear...
Lycopene monograph & interactionsLutein
No knowninteractions
Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...
Lutein monograph & interactionsZeaxanthin
Interacts with86 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 stron...
Zeaxanthin monograph & interactionsAlpha-Carotene
Astaxanthin
Interacts with671 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...
Astaxanthin monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, Palm Oil, Beeswax, Soy Lecithin, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
CarotoMax by Shaklee Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
CarotoMax by Shaklee contains several ingredients with documented interactions with medications.
Vitamin A is the most serious concern — it can interact with retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) at a Major severity level, causing dangerously high vitamin A levels and toxic effects when taken together. Retinoid medications include prescription acne and psoriasis treatments like isotretinoin (Accutane) and tretinoin (Retin-A).
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin A also interacts with blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin) at Moderate severity; high doses may increase bleeding risk. It can interact with tetracycline antibiotics (like doxycycline) and increase the risk of a condition called pseudotumor cerebri (swelling in the brain).
Additionally, vitamin A at high doses may compound liver damage when combined with other drugs that stress the liver.
Lycopene in this product may increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs (like aspirin or clopidogrel) at Moderate severity. Zeaxanthin may theoretically lower blood sugar when combined with diabetes medications.
Astaxanthin may reduce how your body processes certain medications metabolized by liver enzymes CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 (including some cholesterol drugs, immunosuppressants, and others) at Moderate severity. We could not check alpha-carotene for interactions.
Altogether, these interactions span 1,031 individual medications. Use the medication checker below with your exact prescriptions before starting this product.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against CarotoMax?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in CarotoMax interact with 1,051 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
4 of the 6 ingredients in CarotoMax interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin Vitamin A Lycopene Zeaxanthin
AcitretinSoriatane
How Acitretin interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acitretin interactionAlitretinoinPanretin
How Alitretinoin interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Alitretinoin interactionBexaroteneTargretin
How Bexarotene interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Bexarotene interactionAstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Bexarotene interactionHalobetasol Propionate,tazaroteneDuobrii
How Halobetasol Propionate,tazarotene interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Halobetasol Propionate,tazarotene interactionIsotretinoinAbsorica, Accutane, Amnesteem, Claravis, Roaccutane, Sotret
How Isotretinoin interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Isotretinoin interactionTazaroteneArazlo, Avage, Fabior, Tazorotene, Zorac
How Tazarotene interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Tazarotene interactionTretinoinAltreno, Renova, Retin-A, Vesanoid
How Tretinoin interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Tretinoin interactionTretinoin, Benzoyl PeroxideTwyneo
How Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Tretinoin, Benzoyl Peroxide interactionEtretinateTegison
How Etretinate interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin ARetinoids Major
Interaction Summary
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Read the full Vitamin A + Etretinate interaction6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
How 6-mercaptopurine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + 6-mercaptopurine interactionAdo-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla
How Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine interactionAbacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
How Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interactionAbacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
How Abacavir, Lamivudine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Abacavir, Lamivudine interactionAbciximabReoPro
How Abciximab interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
LycopeneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Lycopene + Abciximab interactionAbemaciclibVerzenio
How Abemaciclib interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Abemaciclib interactionAbiraterone
How Abiraterone interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Abiraterone interactionVitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Abiraterone interactionAbiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
How Abiraterone Acetate interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Abiraterone Acetate interactionAbrocitinibCibinqo
How Abrocitinib interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
LycopeneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Lycopene + Abrocitinib interactionAcalabrutinibCalquence
How Acalabrutinib interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Acalabrutinib interactionAcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
How Acarbose interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acarbose interactionZeaxanthinAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking zeaxanthin with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Zeaxanthin + Acarbose interactionAcebutololRhotral, Sectral
How Acebutolol interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acebutolol interactionAcenocoumarolSintrom
How Acenocoumarol interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
LycopeneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Lycopene + Acenocoumarol interactionAcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen interactionAcetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
LycopeneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Lycopene + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionVitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interactionAcetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
How Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interacts with CarotoMax — through 3 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
LycopeneAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
Read the full Lycopene + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionVitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interacts with CarotoMax — through 2 ingredients. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
AstaxanthinCytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Substrates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Read the full Astaxanthin + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionVitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interactionAcetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
How Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interacts with CarotoMax — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin AHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
Read the full Vitamin A + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in CarotoMax 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.
Astaxanthin
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.
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.
Vitamin A
Retinoids
Concomitant use of retinoids with vitamin A supplements might produce supratherapeutic vitamin A levels.
Retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, could have additive toxic effects when taken with vitamin A supplements.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Theoretically, taking high doses of vitamin A in combination with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver disease.
The tolerable upper intake level (UL) is the highest level of intake that is likely to pose no risk of adverse effects. Doses of vitamin A above the UL can cause hepatotoxicity, ranging from elevated liver enzymes to liver failure.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Theoretically, taking tetracycline antibiotics with high doses of vitamin A can increase the risk of pseudotumor cerebri.
Benign intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) can occur with tetracyclines and with acute or chronic vitamin A toxicity. Case reports suggest that taking tetracyclines and vitamin A concurrently can increase the risk of this condition. Avoid high doses of vitamin A in people taking tetracyclines chronically.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, high doses of vitamin A could increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Vitamin A toxicity is associated with hemorrhage and hypoprothrombinemia, possibly due to vitamin K antagonism. Advise patients taking warfarin to avoid doses of vitamin A above the tolerable upper intake level of 10,000 IU/day for adults.
Lycopene
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs
Theoretically, taking lycopene with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bleeding.
In vitro research shows that lycopene has antiplatelet effects.
Zeaxanthin
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for CarotoMax, from the product label.
Shaklee
See all Shaklee products- Name
- Shaklee Corporation
- City
- Pleasanton
- State
- CA
- ZipCode
- 94566
- Phone Number
- 1.800.742.5533
CarotoMax by Shaklee: Common Questions
Does CarotoMax by Shaklee interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take CarotoMax if I'm pregnant?
What's the difference between vitamin A in this product and retinoid medications?
Does this product really help with macular degeneration?
What are the main side effects I should expect?
Can I take this with my blood thinner?
Why does the label say CarotoMax has soy in it?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if CarotoMax is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind CarotoMax’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Vitamin A
Interacts with 387 drugsVitamin A is an essential nutrient important for vision, skin, immune function, and growth. Most people get enough from a balanced diet, and supplements are mainly useful for correcting a tr...
Read the full Vitamin A monograph → Herb & supplement monographLycopene
Interacts with 122 drugsLycopene is a red plant pigment and antioxidant found mainly in tomatoes and other red fruits. Eating lycopene-rich foods is linked with possible heart and prostate benefits, but evidence fr...
Read the full Lycopene monograph → Herb & supplement monographLutein
Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help slow progression of age-related macular...
Read the full Lutein monograph → Herb & supplement monographZeaxanthin
Interacts with 86 drugsZeaxanthin 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 → Herb & supplement monographAstaxanthin
Interacts with 671 drugsAstaxanthin 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 & How We Checked
CarotoMax'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 50 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.
Vitamin A 31 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Griffiths JK. The vitamin A paradox. J Pediatr 2000;137:604-7.. PubMed
- Hardman JG, Limbird LL, Molinoff PB, eds. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- FDA Talk Paper. Vitamin A and birth defects (T95-56). Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD. October 6, 1995.
- Russell RM. The vitamin A spectrum: from deficiency to toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:878-84. PubMed
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2002.
- Feskanich D, Singh V, Willett WC, Colditz GA. Vitamin A intake and hip fractures among postmenopausal women. JAMA 2002;287:47-54. PubMed
- Melhus H, Michaelsson K, Kindmark A, et al. Excessive dietary intake of vitamin A is associated with reduced bone mineral density and increased risk for hip fracture. Ann Intern Med 1998;129:770-8. PubMed
- Michaelsson K, Lithell H, Vessby B, Melhus H. Serum retinol levels and the risk of fracture. N Engl J Med 2003;348:287-94.. PubMed
- Botterweck AA, van den Brandt PA, Goldbohm RA. Vitamins, carotenoids, dietary fiber, and the risk of gastric carcinoma: results from a prospective study after 6.3 years of follow-up. Cancer 2000;88:737-48.. DOI
- Meyskens FL Jr, Graham V, Chvapil M, et al. A phase I trial of beta-all-trans-retinoic acid delivered via a collagen sponge and a cervical cap for mild or moderate intraepithelial cervical neoplasia. J Natl Cancer Inst 1983;71:921-5..
- Hathcock JN, Hattan DG, Jenkins MY, et al. Evaluation of vitamin A toxicity. Am J Clin Nutr 1990;52:183-202.. PubMed
- Walters BN, Gubbay SS. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension: report of five cases. Br Med J 1981;282:19-20.. PubMed
- Pearson MG, Littlewood SM, Bowden AN. Tetracycline and benign intracranial hypertension (letter). Br Med J 1981;282:568-9.. PubMed
- Azais-Braesco V, Pascal G. Vitamin A in pregnancy: requirements and safety limits. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:1325S-33S. PubMed
- Smedts HP, de Vries JH, Rakhshandehroo M, et al. High maternal vitamin E intake by diet or supplements is associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring. BJOG 2009;116:416-23. PubMed
- Grotto, I., Mimouni, M., Gdalevich, M., and Mimouni, D. Vitamin A supplementation and childhood morbidity from diarrhea and respiratory infections: a meta-analysis. J Pediatr 2003;142(3):297-304. PubMed
- Mahalanabis, D., Lahiri, M., Paul, D., Gupta, S., Gupta, A., Wahed, M. A., and Khaled, M. A. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of treatment with zinc or vitamin A in infants and young children with severe acute l
- Long, K. Z., Montoya, Y., Hertzmark, E., Santos, J. I., and Rosado, J. L. A double-blind, randomized, clinical trial of the effect of vitamin A and zinc supplementation on diarrheal disease and respiratory tract infections in children in Mexico City, Mex
- Fritz, H., Kennedy, D., Fergusson, D., Fernandes, R., Doucette, S., Cooley, K., Seely, A., Sagar, S., Wong, R., and Seely, D. Vitamin A and retinoid derivatives for lung cancer: a systematic review and meta analysis. PLoS.One. 2011;6(6):e21107. PubMed
- Mayo-Wilson, E., Imdad, A., Herzer, K., Yakoob, M. Y., and Bhutta, Z. A. Vitamin A supplements for preventing mortality, illness, and blindness in children aged under 5: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2011;343:d5094. PubMed
- Mazumder S, Taneja S, Bhatia K, Yoshida S, Kaur J, Dube B, Toteja GS, Bahl R, Fontaine O, Martines J, Bhandari N; Neovita India Study Group. Efficacy of early neonatal supplementation with vitamin A to reduce mortality in infancy in Haryana, India (Neovit
- Baineni R, Gulati R, Delhi CK. Vitamin A toxicity presenting as bone pain. Arch Dis Child. 2017;102(6):556-8. PubMed
- Darlow BA, Graham PJ, Rojas-Reyes MX. Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short- and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(8):CD000501. PubMed
- Haider BA, Sharma R, Bhutta ZA. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of mortality and morbidity in term neonates in low and middle income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;2:CD006980. PubMed
- Mohammad YM, Raslan IR, Al-Hussain FA. Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Induced by Topical Application of Vitamin A. J Neuroophthalmol. 2016;36(4):412-3. PubMed
- Masnadi Shirazi K, Nikniaz Z, Masnadi Shirazi A, Rohani M. Vitamin A supplementation decreases disease activity index in patients with ulcerative colitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2018 Dec;41:215-219. PubMed
- Ding Y, Hu P, Yang Y, et al. Impact of maternal daily oral low-dose vitamin A supplementation on the mother-infant pair: a randomised placebo-controlled trial in China. Nutrients 2021;13(7):2370. PubMed
- Knapik JJ, Hoedebecke SS. Vitamin A and bone fractures: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Spec Oper Med 2021;21(2):100-7. PubMed
- Imdad A, Mayo-Wilson E, Haykal MR, et al. Vitamin A supplementation for preventing morbidity and mortality in children from six months to five years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022;3(3):CD008524. PubMed
Lycopene 10 references
- Sharma, J. B., Kumar, A., Kumar, A., Malhotra, M., Arora, R., Prasad, S., and Batra, S. Effect of lycopene on pre-eclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation in primigravidas. Int J Gynaecol.Obstet. 2003;81(3):257-262. PubMed
- Hsiao, G., Wang, Y., Tzu, N. H., Fong, T. H., Shen, M. Y., Lin, K. H., Chou, D. S., and Sheu, J. R. Inhibitory effects of lycopene on in vitro platelet activation and in vivo prevention of thrombus formation. J Lab Clin Med 2005;146(4):216-226. PubMed
- Clark, P. E., Hall, M. C., Borden, L. S., Jr., Miller, A. A., Hu, J. J., Lee, W. R., Stindt, D., D'Agostino, R., Jr., Lovato, J., Harmon, M., and Torti, F. M. Phase I-II prospective dose-escalating trial of lycopene in patients with biochemical relapse o
- O'Kennedy, N., Crosbie, L., Whelan, S., Luther, V., Horgan, G., Broom, J. I., Webb, D. J., and Duttaroy, A. K. Effects of tomato extract on platelet function: a double-blinded crossover study in healthy humans. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. 2006;84(3):561-569. PubMed
- Jatoi, A., Burch, P., Hillman, D., Vanyo, J. M., Dakhil, S., Nikcevich, D., Rowland, K., Morton, R., Flynn, P. J., Young, C., and Tan, W. A tomato-based, lycopene-containing intervention for androgen-independent prostate cancer: results of a Phase II stu
- Schwenke, C., Ubrig, B., Thurmann, P., Eggersmann, C., and Roth, S. Lycopene for advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer: a prospective, open phase II pilot study. J.Urol. 2009;181(3):1098-1103. PubMed
- Banerjee, S., Jeyaseelan, S., and Guleria, R. Trial of lycopene to prevent pre-eclampsia in healthy primigravidas: results show some adverse effects. J.Obstet.Gynaecol.Res. 2009;35(3):477-482. PubMed
- Haseen, F., Cantwell, M. M., O'Sullivan, J. M., and Murray, L. J. Is there a benefit from lycopene supplementation in men with prostate cancer? A systematic review. Prostate Cancer Prostatic.Dis. 2009;12(4):325-332. PubMed
- Ilic, D., Forbes, K. M., and Hassed, C. Lycopene for the prevention of prostate cancer. Cochrane.Database.Syst.Rev. 2011;(11):CD008007. PubMed
- Sawardekar SB, Patel TC, Uchil D. Comparative evaluation of antiplatelet effect of lycopene with aspirin and the effect of their combination on platelet aggregation: an in vitro study. Indian J Pharmacol 2016;48:26-31. PubMed
Lutein 2 references
- Brown L, Rimm EB, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid intake and risk of cataract extraction in US men. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:517-24. PubMed
- Chasan-Taber L, Willett WC, Seddon JM, et al. A prospective study of carotenoid and vitamin A intakes and risk of cataract extraction in US women. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:509-16. PubMed
Zeaxanthin 4 references
- Montonen J, Knekt P, Jarvinen R, Reunanen A. Dietary antioxidant intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004;27:362-6. PubMed
- 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
- 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
- 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
Astaxanthin 3 references
- 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
- 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
- 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
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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.
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