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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is a standardized allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of Western Ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma through immunotherapy.
Name
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen
Raw Name
AMBROSIA PSILOSTACHYA POLLEN
Category
Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
22
Variant Count
23
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is a standardized allergenic extract used for the diagnosis and treatment of Western Ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis and asthma through immunotherapy.
Detailed information about Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen.
As a Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract, Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is regulated by the FDA as a biological product. Unlike non-standardized extracts, standardized versions have a labeled potency based on their ability to elicit a specific skin test response in sensitive individuals or through laboratory measurements of major allergen content (such as the Amb p 1 protein). The FDA approval history for these extracts dates back several decades, with continuous refinements in manufacturing to ensure consistency in biological activity. Healthcare providers typically utilize these extracts for patients who suffer from seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or allergic asthma that is specifically triggered by the pollination season of Western Ragweed, which usually occurs from late summer through autumn.
The mechanism of action for Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen extract depends on whether it is used for diagnosis or therapy. When used for diagnostic skin testing (either percutaneous or intradermal), the extract is introduced into the skin. If the patient has pre-existing IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies specific to Western Ragweed allergens, these antibodies, which are bound to mast cells in the skin, will cross-link upon contact with the pollen proteins. This triggers the degranulation of mast cells, releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators, resulting in a 'wheal and flare' reaction (a raised bump and surrounding redness). This reaction allows the clinician to confirm the patient's sensitivity to the allergen.
When used therapeutically in Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT), the mechanism is much more complex and involves a fundamental 're-training' of the immune system. Initially, an allergic individual has a Th2-biased immune response, which produces IgE and promotes inflammation. By administering gradually increasing doses of the Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen extract via subcutaneous injection (allergy shots), the healthcare provider induces a shift in the immune profile. This process, known as desensitization, leads to the production of IgG4 (Immunoglobulin G4) 'blocking antibodies.' These IgG4 antibodies compete with IgE for the allergen, preventing the allergic cascade. Furthermore, long-term therapy promotes the development of T-regulatory (Treg) cells, which secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-beta, leading to long-term clinical tolerance even after the treatment is discontinued.
Traditional pharmacokinetic parameters (like those used for chemical drugs) are difficult to apply to allergenic extracts because they are complex mixtures of proteins rather than single molecular entities. However, the following immunological 'pharmacokinetics' are observed:
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is FDA-approved for the following clinical indications:
Off-label uses are rare, as immunotherapy is highly specific to the allergen identified; however, it may sometimes be used in experimental protocols for oral or sublingual desensitization, though these are typically done with specific standardized products.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen extract is primarily available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is right for your specific condition. The choice of extract and the concentration used must be tailored to your individual sensitivity levels and medical history.
Dosage for Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is highly individualized and is not based on a standard 'one-size-fits-all' milligram amount. Instead, it is measured in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU), Protein Nitrogen Units (PNU), or Weight/Volume (w/v) dilutions.
Therapy is divided into two phases:
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is approved for use in children, typically those aged 5 years and older. The dosing principles for pediatric patients are generally the same as for adults, based on individual sensitivity. However, clinicians often exercise greater caution during the buildup phase. Immunotherapy is rarely initiated in children under the age of 5 due to the difficulty in communicating systemic symptoms and the risk of anaphylaxis in very young children.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, as the extract is not cleared through the kidneys in a manner that would lead to accumulation or toxicity. However, the patient's overall health and ability to tolerate a systemic reaction should be considered.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for hepatic impairment. The metabolism of allergenic proteins is independent of liver enzyme systems.
Caution is advised in elderly patients, particularly those with underlying cardiovascular disease. The risk of using epinephrine (the treatment for a severe reaction) in patients with heart disease may outweigh the benefits of immunotherapy. Healthcare providers will perform a strict risk-benefit analysis.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen must only be administered in a clinical setting by a healthcare professional equipped to treat anaphylaxis.
If a dose is missed during the buildup phase, the next dose may need to be reduced or the previous dose repeated, depending on how much time has passed. If a dose is missed during the maintenance phase by more than a week, the healthcare provider may reduce the dose for the next injection to ensure safety. Never attempt to 'double up' on doses to catch up.
An 'overdose' in the context of immunotherapy refers to receiving a dose higher than the patient's current tolerance level. Signs include intense local swelling, hives, wheezing, or a drop in blood pressure. Emergency measures include the immediate administration of epinephrine, antihistamines, and potentially corticosteroids. If you suspect a reaction after leaving the clinic, seek emergency medical services immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not adjust your dose or skip appointments without medical guidance, as this increases the risk of a severe reaction.
Most patients undergoing treatment with Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen will experience some form of local reaction. These are generally not dangerous but can be uncomfortable.
> Warning: Stop taking Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen and call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' side effects of Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen, as it is a natural protein extract. The 'long-term effect' is intended to be the permanent reduction of allergy symptoms. However, some patients may develop a persistent nodule (a small, hard lump) at the injection site if injections are given too frequently in the exact same spot.
Allergenic extracts, including Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen, carry a significant warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions. While not always formatted as a 'Black Box' in the same way as synthetic drugs, the FDA-approved labeling mandates the following information:
Report any unusual symptoms, especially those occurring within 2 hours of an injection, to your healthcare provider immediately.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is a potent biological agent. Its use requires strict adherence to safety protocols. It is not a medication you take at home; it is a clinical procedure. Patients must be healthy at the time of injection. If you have a fever, a severe 'flare-up' of your asthma, or significant hay fever symptoms on the day of your appointment, your healthcare provider may choose to delay your dose.
No standard FDA black box warning exists for the specific ingredient 'Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen' in the same format as antidepressants or NSAIDs; however, the Class Warning for all Allergenic Extracts is functionally equivalent. The labeling states that these extracts are intended for use only by physicians experienced in administering allergenic extracts and that they can cause severe systemic reactions, including death. Emergency equipment, including epinephrine, must be immediately available.
Unlike many drugs, Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen does not require routine blood counts or liver function tests. Instead, monitoring is clinical:
Generally, this extract does not cause drowsiness. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction or receives antihistamines/epinephrine to treat a reaction, they should not drive or operate machinery until they have fully recovered and been cleared by a medical professional.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided for several hours before and after an injection. Alcohol can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may theoretically increase the rate of allergen absorption and heighten the risk or severity of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy is typically continued for 3 to 5 years. Stopping the treatment early may result in the return of allergy symptoms. There is no 'withdrawal syndrome' associated with stopping Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen, but the immunological benefits will be lost if the maintenance phase is not completed.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially heart or lung problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen.
There are no direct food interactions with the extract itself. However, patients with Western Ragweed allergy may experience Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). This is a cross-reactivity where eating certain foods like bananas, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe), cucumber, or zucchini causes itching in the mouth. This is not a drug interaction, but a related allergic phenomenon.
There is no established data on interactions with herbal supplements. However, supplements that have 'immune-boosting' claims (like Echinacea) should be discussed with an allergist, as the goal of immunotherapy is immune modulation, not necessarily stimulation.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially any medications for blood pressure or heart conditions.
Patients allergic to Western Ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya) are almost always cross-sensitive to other members of the Ambrosia genus, such as Short Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida). While the extracts are similar, they are not identical. A patient sensitive to one ragweed should be carefully evaluated before being exposed to high concentrations of another.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including your lung function and current medications, before prescribing Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen.
FDA Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen in pregnant women.
It is not known whether the allergenic proteins or the resulting antibodies pass into breast milk. However, since these are naturally occurring proteins and the amount injected is very small, it is generally considered safe to continue maintenance immunotherapy while breastfeeding. The risk-benefit ratio should be discussed with a doctor.
As noted, immunotherapy is widely used in children, particularly for preventing the progression of allergic rhinitis to asthma (the 'allergic march'). It is generally not recommended for children under 5 years of age. For children 5 and older, the safety profile is similar to adults, provided they are closely monitored and can communicate their symptoms.
The use of Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen in patients over 65 requires careful screening for cardiovascular health. Elderly patients are more likely to be on medications like beta-blockers or have underlying heart conditions that make a systemic reaction more dangerous. If the patient is healthy and has no contraindications, age alone is not a reason to withhold treatment.
There are no specific guidelines for renal impairment. Because the allergens are proteins that are degraded by cellular proteases and not primarily excreted by the kidneys, no dose adjustments based on GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) are standard. However, clinicians should ensure the patient can tolerate emergency medications if needed.
No adjustments are required for patients with liver disease. The liver's metabolic capacity (Child-Pugh status) does not affect the immunological processing of the pollen extract.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your allergist if you become pregnant or develop new health conditions during treatment.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen extract works through a process of immune modulation. In an allergic individual, the immune system incorrectly identifies the pollen proteins (such as Amb p 1) as dangerous, leading to the production of IgE antibodies. These IgE antibodies sit on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Upon re-exposure, the pollen binds to the IgE, causing the cells to explode (degranulate) and release histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines.
Immunotherapy reverses this by:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous administration) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Processed by immune cells) |
| Half-life | Immunological effect lasts months/years |
| Tmax | Local peak concentration within 1-2 hours |
| Metabolism | Cellular proteolysis (breakdown by enzymes) |
| Excretion | Cellular metabolic pathways |
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is classified as a Standardized Pollen Allergenic Extract. It is part of the broader category of Biologicals and Allergenics. Related medications include other ragweed extracts (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and sublingual immunotherapy tablets (SLIT) like Ragwitek (though Ragwitek is derived from Short Ragweed).
Common questions about Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies caused by Western Ragweed. In diagnostic settings, it is used in skin prick tests to confirm if a patient is sensitive to this specific pollen. In therapeutic settings, it is used in allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, to desensitize the immune system over time. This treatment is intended for patients with allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or allergic asthma who do not get enough relief from standard medications. By exposing the body to tiny, increasing amounts of the pollen, the immune system learns to stop overreacting to it.
The most common side effects are local reactions at the site of the injection or skin test. These include redness, itching, and swelling (a 'wheal') that usually appear within minutes and resolve within a few hours. Some patients may experience a 'large local reaction' where the swelling is several inches wide. Systemic side effects, which are less common, can include sneezing, nasal congestion, or hives. Because the extract contains the very substance the patient is allergic to, there is always a small risk of a severe reaction like anaphylaxis, which is why the injections must be given in a doctor's office.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol for several hours before and after receiving an injection of Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate (expand), which might increase the speed at which the allergen is absorbed into your bloodstream. This could potentially increase the risk of a systemic allergic reaction or make a reaction more severe if one occurs. Additionally, alcohol can sometimes mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as feeling flushed or dizzy. Always consult your allergist about your lifestyle habits during immunotherapy.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is generally not started during pregnancy because the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) could be dangerous for both the mother and the developing baby. However, if a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose and has shown good tolerance to the injections, many allergists will continue the treatment throughout pregnancy. The dose is typically not increased during this time to minimize risks. If you are planning to become pregnant or find out you are pregnant while on allergy shots, it is vital to inform your healthcare provider immediately to discuss the safest plan.
Allergen immunotherapy is a long-term treatment process and does not provide immediate relief like an antihistamine would. Most patients begin to notice an improvement in their symptoms after they reach the maintenance phase, which usually takes 3 to 6 months of weekly injections. Significant improvement is typically seen during the first ragweed season after reaching maintenance. For the best and most lasting results, the treatment is usually continued for 3 to 5 years. This duration allows the immune system to build a lasting 'tolerance' to the Western Ragweed pollen.
Yes, you can stop taking the injections suddenly without experiencing a 'withdrawal' or physical illness, as it is not an addictive substance. However, stopping the treatment before the recommended 3-to-5-year course is finished often means that your allergy symptoms will eventually return. The immune system requires consistent, long-term exposure to the extract to maintain its desensitized state. If you need to stop treatment due to side effects, cost, or scheduling issues, you should discuss this with your allergist. They may be able to adjust your schedule or dose rather than stopping the therapy entirely.
If you miss a scheduled injection, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to make up for the missed dose by taking more the next time. Depending on how many days or weeks have passed since your last shot, your doctor may need to repeat your last dose or even reduce the dose slightly to ensure your safety. Missing too many doses, especially during the buildup phase, can set back your progress and increase the risk of a reaction when you resume treatment. Consistency is key to the success of immunotherapy.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of natural proteins that are processed by your immune system and does not affect your metabolism, appetite, or fat storage in the way that some medications (like oral steroids) might. If you experience weight changes while on immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors such as lifestyle, diet, or other medications you may be taking. Always discuss any unexpected physical changes with your primary care physician or allergist to determine the underlying cause.
Many medications, such as antihistamines and nasal steroids, are safe and often used alongside Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen. However, certain drugs can make the treatment much more dangerous. The most important medications to avoid are beta-blockers, which are often used for high blood pressure or heart conditions, because they can prevent life-saving epinephrine from working during a severe allergic reaction. You must provide your allergist with a complete list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to ensure there are no dangerous interactions that could compromise your safety during treatment.
Ambrosia Psilostachya Pollen is a biological extract, and the concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' works differently than it does for chemical pills. Different manufacturers produce their own versions of Western Ragweed extract, and while they are standardized to meet FDA requirements, they are not always considered identical or interchangeable. Your allergist will typically stick with one manufacturer's extract for your entire course of treatment to ensure consistency in your dosing. While there isn't a single 'generic' version, there are several reputable biological laboratories that produce these standardized extracts for clinical use.