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Dietary supplement

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Hard Rhino

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) label
See full label image
Powder 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 Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) 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

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) is a dietary supplement by Hard Rhino with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for general nutrition and energy, antioxidant support, cholesterol and metabolic health.Based on those ingredients, 327 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Spirulina. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Hard Rhino Spirulina is a single-ingredient powder: spirulina (also called Arthrospira platensis), a blue-green algae. There are no inactive ingredients listed—it's the algae alone.

This ingredient is a nutrient-dense whole food that contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and other compounds used in traditional medicine and modern supplements.

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 Blue-green Algae's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Blue-green Algae 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 ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Hypertension — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The data we hold shows spirulina is possibly effective for high blood pressure (hypertension). For acne, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), iron deficiency anemia, and arsenic poisoning, the evidence is insufficient—we simply don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works.

If you're considering this for one of those purposes, talk with your pharmacist about what the current evidence supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Spirulina is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. The most common side effects are mild gastrointestinal ones: abdominal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting.

Allergic reactions—including rashes, itching, and in rare cases severe reactions like anaphylaxis—have been reported, particularly in people sensitive to algae proteins. There's also a significant caution: quality and purity vary widely.

Some spirulina products have been contaminated with toxins or heavy metals, so source and third-party testing matter. Pregnancy and lactation safety data are not on file for this ingredient.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Blue-green Algae

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Blue-green Algae.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 327 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 with your pharmacist if you're on blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), immunosuppressants, or diabetes medications—spirulina may interact with all three. These are Moderate-severity interactions, so they're worth confirming before you start.

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.

Spirulina may be worth considering if you're looking for a nutrient-dense whole food and you have high blood pressure, but the evidence for other uses is weak or missing. If you take blood thinners, immune-suppressing drugs, or diabetes medications, check with your pharmacist first.

Buy from a reputable source—contamination is a real concern with algae products.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 25, 2017.

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 Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis), straight from the product label.

Brand Hard Rhino
Barcode (UPC) 818136473618
Net contents 500 Gram(s); 1.1 lbs
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2017
DSLD ID 72759
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino, 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:
3 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Gram(s)
Servings per container
166
UPC/BARCODE
818136473618
IngredientAmount% DV
Spirulina3 Gram(s)--

Other ingredients: None

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.
Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Re-seal zipper immediately after use to preserve freshness.

Formulation

No added fillers

Allergens: This product contains no soy, dairy, dairy byproducts, eggs, shellfish, wheat, gluten, tree nuts, or sesame seeds.

This is a non-GMO ingredient.

General Statements

Only pure ingredients

Pure powder

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 3 grams (~1/2 tbsp) with 8-16 ounces of water or suitable beverage. Taken 1-3 times daily or as recommended by your qualified health professional.

1 Carefully measure out suggested serving size using a microscale. 2 Add to preferred beverage. 3 Mix well. 4 Drink within 10-15 minutes. How to use

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Precautions

Warning: Keep out of the reach of children. Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Do not take this or any other supplement if under the age of 18, pregnant or nursing a baby, or if you have any known or suspected medical conditions and/or taking prescription drug(s) or OTC medication(s).

Always consult with a qualified health physician before taking any new dietary supplement.

Do not use or consume if pressure seal is broken.

Do not use or consume if seal is broken.

Seals/Symbols

Lab tested for purity and quality

Packaged in USA

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

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino label

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

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) 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 Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino

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

Serving size3 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container166 Amounts shown are per serving.

Spirulina

Interacts with
327 drugs
3 Gram(s) per serving

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and...

Spirulina monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis)?

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
327Drugs
327 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Spirulina 327

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) interact with 327 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Spirulina

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Spirulina3 drug types · 327 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, spirulina blue-green algae might increase the risk of bleeding if used with other anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, this is unlikely.
Spirulina blue-green algae have shown antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in vitro. However, one preliminary study in 24 patients receiving spirulina blue-green algae 2.3 grams daily for 2 weeks showed no effect on platelet activation or measures of clotting time.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking blue-green algae with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Human research shows that spirulina blue-green algae can have hypoglycemic effects in patients with diabetes, at least some of whom were using antidiabetes drugs. However, blue-green algae does not seem to improve glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with diabetes. A meta-analysis of animal studies also suggests that spirulina blue-green algae have hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, concurrent use of blue-green algae might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Blue-green algae have been shown to stimulate the immune system.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Spirulina full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis), from the product label.

Hard Rhino

See all Hard Rhino products
Name
Guardian Wholesale
Street Address
1607 West Whispering Wind Drive
City
Phoenix
State
AZ
ZipCode
85085
Phone Number
(866) 961-8378
Web Address
HardRhino.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino: Common Questions

Does Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) by Hard Rhino interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) has a known interaction with 327 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is spirulina safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
We don't have safety data on file for spirulina in pregnancy or lactation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice—they can weigh what we know and what you need.
What's the most common side effect I might notice?
Stomach upset is the most common issue: cramping, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or flatulence. These are usually mild. If you're allergic to algae, you could have a rash, itching, or in rare cases a severe reaction.
Can I take this if I'm on blood thinners?
Spirulina may theoretically increase bleeding risk with blood thinners. It's a Moderate interaction, so check with your pharmacist before you start—don't add it on your own.
Does spirulina actually work for high blood pressure?
Our data rates it possibly effective for high blood pressure—meaning there's some evidence, but it's not definitive. For other claims like boosting energy or treating anemia, we don't have enough reliable evidence to say it works.
Why does the safety info mention contamination?
Spirulina quality varies a lot from brand to brand. Some products have been found to contain toxins or heavy metals. Buy from a reputable source and look for third-party testing if you can.

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

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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.

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis) label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis)’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Blue-green Algae

Interacts with 327 drugs

Blue-green algae are nutrient-rich aquatic microorganisms (such as spirulina and Klamath Lake algae) taken as a supplement for energy, nutrition, and general wellness. Evidence for most heal...

Read the full Blue-green Algae monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis)'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 22 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.

Blue-green Algae 22 references
  1. Jensen GS, Ginsberg DJ, Huerta P, et al. Consumption of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae has rapid effects on the circulation and function of immune cells in humans. A novel approach to nutritional mobilization of the immune system. JANA 2000;2:50-6.
  2. Iwasa M, Yamamoto M, Tanaka Y, et al. Spirulina-associated hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol 2002;97:3212-13. PubMed
  3. Hayashi O, Katoh T, Okuwaki Y. Enhancement of antibody production in mice by dietary Spirulina platensis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 1994;40:431-41.. PubMed
  4. Vitale S, Miller NR, Mejico LJ, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial of super blue-green algae in patients with essential blepharospasm or Meige syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 2004;138:18-32. PubMed
  5. Mani UV, Desai S, Iyer U. Studies on the long-term effect of spirulina supplementation on serum lipid profile and glycated proteins in NIDDM patients. J Nutraceut 2000;2(3):25-32. DOI
  6. Chiu HF, Yang SP, Kuo YL, et al. Mechanisms involved in the antiplatelet effect of C-phycocyanin. Br J Nutr 2006;95:435-40. PubMed
  7. Hsiao G, Chou PH, Shen MY, et al. C-phycocyanin, a very potent and novel platelet aggregation inhibitor from Spirulina platensis. J Agric Food Chem 2005;53:7734-40.
  8. Katz M, Levine AA, Kol-Degani H, Kav-Venaki L. A compound herbal preparation (CHP) in the treatment of children with ADHD: a randomized controlled trial. J Atten Disord 2010;14:281-91. PubMed
  9. Madhyastha, H. K., Radha, K. S., Sugiki, M., Omura, S., and Maruyama, M. Purification of c-phycocyanin from Spirulina fusiformis and its effect on the induction of urokinase-type plasminogen activator from calf pulmonary endothelial cells. Phytomedicine PubMed
  10. Mazokopakis, E. E., Karefilakis, C. M., Tsartsalis, A. N., Milkas, A. N., and Ganotakis, E. S. Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis). Phytomedicine. 2008;15(6-7):525-527. PubMed
  11. Halidou, Doudou M., Degbey, H., Daouda, H., Leveque, A., Donnen, P., Hennart, P., and Dramaix-Wilmet, M. [The effect of spiruline during nutritional rehabilitation: systematic review]. Rev.Epidemiol.Sante Publique 2008;56(6):425-431.
  12. Konno, T., Umeda, Y., Umeda, M., Kawachi, I., Oyake, M., and Fujita, N. [A case of inflammatory myopathy with widely skin rash following use of supplements containing Spirulina]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2011;51(5):330-333. PubMed
  13. Le TM, Knulst AC, Röckmann H. Anaphylaxis to Spirulina confirmed by skin prick test with ingredients of Spirulina tablets. Food Chem Toxicol 2014;74:309-10. PubMed
  14. Rzymski P, Niedzielski P, Kaczmarek N, Jurczak T, Klimaszyk P. The multidisciplinary approach to safety and toxicity assessment of microalgae-based food supplements following clinical cases of poisoning. Harmful Algae 2015;46:34-42. DOI
  15. Petrus M, Culerrier R, Campistron M, et al. First case report of anaphylaxis to spirulin: identification of phycocyanin as responsible allergen. Allergy 2010;65(7):924-5. PubMed
  16. Marles RJ, Barrett ML, Barnes J, et al. United States Pharmacopeia safety evaluation of spirulina. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2011;51(7):593-604. PubMed
  17. Majdoub H, Ben Mansour M, Chaubet F, et al. Anticoagulant activity of a sulfated polysaccharide from the green alga Arthrospira platensis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2009;1790(10):1377-81. PubMed
  18. Cha BG, Kwak HW, Park AR, et al. Structural characteristics and biological performance of silk fibroin nanofiber containing microalgae spirulina extract. Biopolymers 2014;101(4):307-18. PubMed
  19. Jensen GS, Drapeau C, Lenninger M, Benson KF. Clinical safety of a high dose of phycocyanin-enriched aqueous extract from Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis: results from a randomized, double-Blind, placebo-controlled study with a focus on anticoagulant ac
  20. Hamedifard Z, Milajerdi A, Reiner Z, Taghizadeh M, Kolahdooz F, Asemi Z. The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized con
  21. Moradi S, Zobeiri M, Feizi A, Clark CCT, Entezari MH. The effects of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) supplementation on anthropometric indices, blood pressure, sleep quality, mental health, fatigue status and quality of life in patients with ulcerative
  22. Ghanbari F, Amerizadeh A, Behshood P, Moradi S, Asgary S. Effect of microalgae arthrospira on biomarkers of glycemic control and glucose metabolism: a systematic Review and meta-analysis. Curr Probl Cardiol 2022;47(10):100942. PubMed

See these in context on the Blue-green Algae 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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