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Astaxanthin - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Astaxanthin

Generic Name : Astaxanthin
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Astaxanthin are provided here.

Pronunciation : As-tax-an-thin

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Astaxanthin, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Therapeutic Classification : Antioxidants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Astaxanthin

India :

Overview of Astaxanthin

• Astaxanthin  belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids.
• It occurs naturally and causes pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

Why is Astaxanthin Prescribed? (Indications)

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and a carotenoid that has potential benefits in Alzheimer's diseaseParkinson's disease, stroke,  high cholesterol, and an eye condition called age related macular degeneration.
It is also used for preventing cancer and sunburns. However, currently, evidence regarding its benefits in these conditions is insufficient.

When should Astaxanthin not be taken? (Contraindications)

• Astaxanthin is contraindicated in patients with allergy to astaxanthin or related carotenoids, or the source of astaxanthin, Haematococcus pluvialis.
• It should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.

What is the dosage of Astaxanthin?

4mg-12mg a day orally

How should Astaxanthin be taken?

• Astaxanthin, should be taken orally with a meal, especially with fats.

What are the warnings and precautions for Astaxanthin?

•Astaxanthin should be used with caution in patients with bleeding disorders, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, hypertension, low blood calcium levels or parathyroid disorders, allergy to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or asthma.

What are the side effects of Astaxanthin?

Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain
Blood: Bleeding, low blood sugar levels, low calcium levels, aplastic anemia (lack of red blood cell production by the bone marrow)
Cardiovascular:Low blood pressure
Hormonal: Decreased libido, enlargement of breasts in males
Others: Allergic reaction

What are the other precautions for Astaxanthin?

• Patients should inform their doctor if they suffer from any illness or take any other medication before taking astaxanthin.

What are the Drug Interactions of Astaxanthin?

• Astaxanthin may increase bleeding caused by drugs like warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or supplements like gingko biloba, garlic and saw palmetto.
• It may enhance the blood glucose-lowering effect of antidiabetes medications, blood pressure lowering effect of antihypertensive drugs, the calcium lowering effect of parathyroid disorders treatment.
• It may also interfere with the effect of asthma medications like cetirizine and azelastine, as well as of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
• It may enhance the effects of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors resulting in adverse effects.
• It may have an additive effect with anti-H.pylori drugs.
• It may alter the effects of drugs metabolized in the liver; therefore dosage adjustment may be required. It may also alter the effects of menopausal drugs and oral contraceptives.
Since astaxanthin can increase immunity, it can interfere with the effect of immunosuppressants.
• Interactions may occur with other herbal supplements including beta carotene.
• Drugs like cholestyramine and colestipol may reduce the absorption of astaxanthin.

What are the storage conditions for Astaxanthin?

• Astaxanthin should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct light.
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