Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant 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

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant is a dietary supplement by Swanson with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 671 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Sep 17, 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 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains three active ingredients: astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein — all antioxidants (compounds that may protect cells from damage). The softgel capsule itself is made from gelatin, and the remaining inactive ingredients are rice bran oil, glycerin, sunflower oil, purified water, and natural tocopherols (a form of vitamin E).

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Eye health and antioxidant support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Asthenopia (eye strain), Cataracts, Central serous retinopathy, Choroideremia, Diabetic retinopathy — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Possibly Effective" for Cataracts.
  • Also on file: Lutein is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Diabetic retinopathy, Dry eye, Glaucoma, Myopia, and more.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts — both common eye conditions related to aging. Astaxanthin, however, has insufficient reliable evidence for those uses as well as for age-related cognitive decline, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

So while the two carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein) have some evidence behind them for eye health, the astaxanthin's benefit here isn't established in the data we hold.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Lutein

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 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.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses; studies with lutein up to 20 mg daily showed no adverse effects. Astaxanthin also appears well tolerated in most people, though long-term safety data are limited.

The most common side effects with astaxanthin are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools — usually mild, though higher doses (40 mg daily) have caused severe stomach pain in isolated cases. For pregnancy, astaxanthin lacks enough safety data, so it's best to avoid it while pregnant.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are rated likely safe in pregnancy. During breastfeeding, there isn't enough data on supplement doses of astaxanthin to know either way — talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Zeaxanthin and lutein are naturally present in breast milk and are considered likely safe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Lutein

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 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 672 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, have your doctor or pharmacist check whether you take any medications metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 — both Moderate-severity interactions with astaxanthin. That includes many heart and blood pressure medications, some cholesterol drugs, some immunosuppressants, and several others.

The interaction hasn't been confirmed in humans yet, but it's worth confirming your medications are not affected before you combine them with this supplement.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're looking at this for eye health — particularly AMD or cataracts — the lutein and zeaxanthin do have some evidence behind them. But astaxanthin's role here is unproven, and it could theoretically reduce the effectiveness of many common medications by speeding up how your liver breaks them down.

Before you start, check with your doctor or pharmacist about your specific prescriptions, especially if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, or any medication your doctor emphasized you shouldn't skip doses of.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 16, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson
Barcode (UPC) 087614028682
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 267053
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
087614028682
IngredientAmount% DV
Astaxanthin4 mg--
Zeaxanthin4 mg--
Lutein20 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Sunflower Oil, purified Water, natural Tocopherols

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swanson.com

Formulation

Made in Canada

Eye and Vision Health

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

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

Brand IP Statement(s)

Lutemax is a registered trademark of OmniActive Health Technologies, Ltd.

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

Precautions

Warning: For adults only.

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

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal is broken.

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.

Formula

Featuring Lutemax

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

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson label

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

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant 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 Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
4 mg per serving Form: Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Zeaxanthin

No known
interactions
4 mg per serving Form: Lutemax 2020 Marigold flower extract

Lutein is a plant-based antioxidant pigment that concentrates in the eye, and the best evidence suggests it (often combined with zeaxanthin) may help...

Zeaxanthin monograph & interactions

Lutein

No known
interactions
20 mg per serving Form: Lutemax 2020

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 & interactions

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

Interaction report

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
671Drugs
671 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Astaxanthin 671

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant interact with 671 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 3 ingredients in Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Astaxanthin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Astaxanthin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant, from the product label.

Swanson

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

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson: Common Questions

Does Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant by Swanson interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant has a known interaction with 671 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
Astaxanthin is best avoided during pregnancy because there isn't enough safety data. Lutein and zeaxanthin are rated likely safe in pregnancy, but since this product combines all three, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Is this safe to take while breastfeeding?
Zeaxanthin and lutein are naturally in breast milk and considered likely safe. Astaxanthin, though, doesn't have enough data on supplement doses during breastfeeding — there's not enough information to know either way. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
Does this actually work for eye health?
Lutein and zeaxanthin are possibly effective for age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Astaxanthin, however, doesn't have enough reliable evidence to establish whether it works for those conditions or others this product might target.
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Astaxanthin most commonly causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, or red-colored stools — usually mild. Lutein and zeaxanthin are very well tolerated, with no adverse effects reported at typical doses.
Why do my stools look red after I take this?
Red or reddish-colored stools are a known side effect of astaxanthin, the carotenoid in this product. It's generally harmless and shouldn't alarm you, but if it bothers you or you're unsure, talk to your pharmacist.
What do these ingredients actually do?
All three — astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein — are antioxidants, compounds that may protect your cells from damage. Lutein and zeaxanthin concentrate in the eye and are studied for age-related vision conditions.

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.

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Astaxanthin

Interacts with 671 drugs

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise benefits. Early human studies are promis...

Read the full Astaxanthin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Lutein

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 →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant'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 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Lutein 2 references
  1. 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
  2. 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

See these in context on the Lutein 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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