thymus extract

Therapeutic Classification: antiasthmatics, immune stimulants, allergy, cold and cough remedies

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Complementary/Alternative Medicine: This monograph describes a natural or herbal product that is not subject to FDA guidelines for medicines. Patients and clinicians are advised to read package labels carefully to ensure safe and efficacious use.

REMS

Respiratory infections.
Allergic rhinitis.
Asthma.
Food allergies.

Action ⬆ ⬇

Thymus extract is derived from bovine thymus glands. It induces T-lymphocyte maturation, stimulates T-cell proliferation, enhances mature T-cell function and has indirect effects on macrophages and B-cell functions. It also reduces airway hyperresponsiveness to methacholine in atopic asthma patients.

Therapeutic effects:

Improved immune function.
Reduced acute asthma attacks.

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown

Distribution: Unknown

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown

Half-Life: Unknown

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	unknown	unknown	unknown

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.
Immunocompromised patients should only use products that are certified pathogen-free to reduce the risk of infection from diseased animal parts.

Use Cautiously in:

Pregnancy and lactation.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Misc: Potential risk of contamination from diseased animal parts.

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Natural-Drug Products:

Avoid use withimmunosuppressants unless products are certified pathogen-free.

Natural-Natural Products:

None.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

PO (Adults ): 750 mg/day of crude thymus polypeptide fraction or 120 mg/day of pure thymus polypeptides (thymomodulin).

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess symptoms of cold or allergies related to the purpose thymus extract is being taken.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer as recommended.

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Discuss with patient purpose for taking thymus extract.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications.
Advise female patient to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Pronunciation ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇