Chlorella Complex Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Chlorella Complex 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
Chlorella Complex is a dietary supplement by Swanson Kyoto Brand with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and 'detox' support, immune support, liver and kidney support.Based on those ingredients, 388 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Japanese Chlorella, Iron. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand — 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 Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand
Four independent checks of what is known — a summary of the available information, not a grade of the product itself.
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
The stated purpose hasn't been mapped to our evidence data yet.
Why this rating?
- We haven't mapped this product's purpose to our evidence data yet — it'll be graded on the next content refresh.
Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.
Why this rating?
- The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
- No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.
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 — Chlorella, Iron.
- The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
- Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; Parkinson's medications.
- For scale: 388 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.
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 2 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.
HelloPharmacist summaryFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 7, 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
General information
Key facts about Chlorella Complex, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Swanson Kyoto Brand |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 087614180267 |
| Net contents | 120 Tablet(s) |
| Market status | Off market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Jan 7, 2019 |
| DSLD ID | 184741 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Tablet Or Pill |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Chlorella | 470 mg | -- |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% |
| Chlorella extract powder | 550 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: May contain one or both of the following
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.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Guaranteed purity & potency
Precautions
Do not use if seal is broken.
Keep out of reach of children.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested use: As a dietary supplement, take two tablets two to three times per day with water.
General
SWK026 Rev 0 06 07 17
General Statements
To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand 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 Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand
These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill 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.
Japanese Chlorella
Interacts with337 drugs
Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies sugges...
Japanese Chlorella monograph & interactionsIron
Interacts with80 drugs
Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventin...
Iron monograph & interactionsChlorella extract powder
Interacts with337 drugs
Chlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies sugges...
Chlorella extract powder monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: May contain one or both of the following. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand Drug Interactions
Chlorella Complex contains 3 ingredients, and 2 of them have known drug interactions. Altogether they interact with 388 medications. Here’s the picture, then you can look up your own drug.
Want to check YOUR meds against Chlorella Complex?
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 Chlorella Complex interact with 388 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
2 of the 3 ingredients in Chlorella Complex interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Japanese Chlorella Iron
AcepromazineAtravet
How Acepromazine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acepromazine interactionAcetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
How Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hbr interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
How Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
How Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, DiphenhydramineTylenol PM, Tylenol PM Ex Strength
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine interactionAcetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
How Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
How Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox
How Acetazolamide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetazolamide interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acetohexamide interactionAcitretinSoriatane
How Acitretin interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Acitretin interactionAlectinib HydrochlorideAlecensa
How Alectinib Hydrochloride interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Alectinib Hydrochloride interactionAlendronateBinosto, Fosamax
How Alendronate interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
IronBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Iron + Alendronate interactionAlendronate Sodium
How Alendronate Sodium interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
IronBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Iron + Alendronate Sodium interactionAlendronate Sodium, CholecalciferolFosamax Plus D
How Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
IronBisphosphonates Moderate
Interaction Summary
Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Read the full Iron + Alendronate Sodium, Cholecalciferol interactionAlitretinoinPanretin
How Alitretinoin interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Alitretinoin interactionAmiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic
How Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interacts with Chlorella Complex — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Chlorella Extract PowderPhotosensitizing Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Read the full Chlorella Extract Powder + Amiloride, Hydrochlorothiazide interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Chlorella Complex 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.
Japanese Chlorella
Photosensitizing Drugs
Theoretically, chlorella might have additive effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Chlorella has been reported to cause photosensitization. In five case reports, patients who had ingested chlorella exhibited swelling followed by erythematopurpuric lesions on sun-exposed areas of the body. Theoretically, concomitant use with photosensitizing drugs may exacerbate effects.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Theoretically, chlorella might reduce the clinical effects of warfarin.
Chlorella contains significant amounts of vitamin K. There is at least one case report of warfarin therapy becoming sub-therapeutic after initiation of chlorella supplements.
Iron
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)
Iron might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and iron can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, iron containing products.
Bisphosphonates
Iron reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients that doses of bisphosphonates should be separated by at least two hours from doses of all other medications, including supplements such as iron. Divalent cations, including iron, can decrease absorption of bisphosphonates by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Denosumab (Prolia, Others)
Administration of intravenous iron within one month of denosumab administration might increase the risk of severe hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
A case of severe hypocalcemia (albumin corrected calcium 6.88 mg/dL, ionized calcium 3.68 mg/dL) and hypophosphatemia (<0.5 mg/dL) with respiratory acidosis, QT interval prolongation, and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia was reported in a 76-year-old male who had received an iron polymaltose infusion within 2 weeks of a subcutaneous injection of denosumab. Serum parathyroid hormone was also elevated (348 pg/mL). Subsequent iron infusions with iron polymaltose and ferric carboxymaltose were followed by transient hypophosphatemia, but without hypocalcemia. Additionally, a literature review describes 6 additional cases of hypophosphatemia and hypocalcemia in patients 52-92 years of age who had been administered intravenous iron as either ferric carboxymaltose or iron polymaltose and subcutaneous denosumab within 1-4 weeks of each other.
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)
Iron might decrease dolutegravir levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir at least 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking iron. Pharmacokinetic research shows that iron can decrease the absorption of dolutegravir from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. When taken under fasting conditions, a single dose of ferrous fumarate 324 mg orally along with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces overall exposure to dolutegravir by 54%.
Integrase Inhibitors
Theoretically, taking iron along with integrase inhibitors might decrease the levels and clinical effects of these drugs.
Iron is a divalent cation. There is concern that iron may decrease the absorption of integrase inhibitors from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation. One pharmacokinetic study shows that iron can decrease blood levels of the specific integrase inhibitor dolutegravir through chelation. Also, other pharmacokinetic research shows that other divalent cations such as calcium can decrease the absorption and levels of some integrase inhibitors through chelation.
Levodopa
Iron might decrease levodopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate doses of levodopa and iron as much as possible. There is some evidence in healthy people that iron forms chelates with levodopa, reducing the amount of levodopa absorbed by around 50%. The clinical significance of this hasn't been determined.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Iron might decrease levothyroxine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate levothyroxine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption and efficacy of levothyroxine by forming insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Iron might decrease methyldopa levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate methyldopa and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron can decrease the absorption of methyldopa from the gastrointestinal tract through chelation, resulting in increases in blood pressure.
Mycophenolate Mofetil (Cellcept)
Theoretically, iron might decrease mycophenolate mofetil levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to take iron 4-6 hours before, or 2 hours after, mycophenolate mofetil. It has been suggested that a decrease of absorption is possible, probably by forming nonabsorbable chelates. However, mycophenolate pharmacokinetics are not affected by iron supplementation in available clinical research.
Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)
Iron might decrease penicillamine levels by reducing its absorption.
Advise patients to separate penicillamine and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Oral iron supplements can reduce absorption of penicillamine by 30% to 70%, probably due to chelate formation. In people with Wilson's disease, this interaction has led to reduced efficacy of penicillamine.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Iron might decrease levels of quinolone antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to separate quinolone antibiotics and iron doses by at least 2 hours. Iron decreases the absorption of quinolones due to formation of insoluble complexes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Tetracycline Antibiotics
Iron might decrease levels of tetracycline antibiotics by reducing their absorption.
Advise patients to take iron at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after tetracycline antibiotics. Concomitant use can decrease absorption of tetracycline antibiotics from the gastrointestinal tract by 50% to 90%.
Chloramphenicol
Theoretically, taking chloramphenicol with iron might reduce the response to iron therapy in iron deficiency anemia.
Chloramphenicol interferes with erythrocyte maturation. However, since chloramphenicol isn't usually taken for prolonged periods, this isn't likely to be clinically significant.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Chlorella Complex, from the product label.
Swanson Kyoto Brand
See all Swanson Kyoto Brand products- Name
- Swanson Health Products
- City
- Fargo
- State
- ND
- ZipCode
- 58104
- Phone Number
- 1-800-437-4148
- Web Address
- www.swansonvitamins.com
Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand: Common Questions
Does Chlorella Complex by Swanson Kyoto Brand interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Chlorella Complex 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 Chlorella Complex’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Chlorella
Interacts with 337 drugsChlorella is a nutrient-rich freshwater green algae taken as a supplement for general wellness, immune support, and 'detox.' Some small studies suggest possible benefits for cholesterol, blo...
Read the full Chlorella monograph → Herb & supplement monographIron
Interacts with 80 drugsIron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin and carry oxygen in the blood. Supplements are mainly useful for treating or preventing iron deficiency and iron-deficiency an...
Read the full Iron monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Chlorella Complex'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 85 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.
Chlorella 13 references
- Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York, NY: William Morrow and Co., 1999.
- Ng TP, Tan WC, Lee YK. Occupational asthma in a pharmacist induced by chlorella, a unicellular algae preparation. Resp Med 1994;88:555-7. PubMed
- Jitsukawa K, Suizu R, Hidano A. Chlorella photosensitization. New phytophotodermatosis. Int J Dermatol 1984;23:263-8. PubMed
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