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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is a non-standardized plant allergenic extract used primarily for diagnostic skin testing and allergen immunotherapy in patients with suspected hypersensitivity to the Aconitum plant genus.
Name
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole
Raw Name
ACONITUM LYCOCTONUM WHOLE
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
3
Variant Count
3
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is a non-standardized plant allergenic extract used primarily for diagnostic skin testing and allergen immunotherapy in patients with suspected hypersensitivity to the Aconitum plant genus.
Detailed information about Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole refers to a non-standardized allergenic extract derived from the entire plant of Aconitum lycoctonum, commonly known as Wolfsbane or Northern Wolfsbane. In the landscape of modern clinical immunology, this substance is classified as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]. Unlike standardized extracts (such as those for certain grasses or dust mites), non-standardized extracts do not have a defined potency unit (like BAU or AU) assigned by the FDA, but are manufactured under strict Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to ensure consistent protein profiles for clinical use.
Pharmacologically, Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole belongs to a class of biological products used for the diagnosis and treatment of Type I hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. The genus Aconitum is historically significant in both toxicology and pharmacology due to the presence of potent alkaloids; however, in the context of an allergenic extract, the focus is on the proteinaceous components that trigger immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated responses. The FDA regulates these extracts under the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), primarily for use in specialized allergy clinics.
The mechanism of action for Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole depends on its clinical application: diagnostic testing or immunotherapy. At the molecular level, the extract contains specific antigens (proteins) that are recognized by the immune system of sensitized individuals.
As a biological allergenic extract administered locally, the pharmacokinetic profile of Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole differs significantly from traditional synthetic drugs.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is primarily indicated for:
This extract is typically available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is right for your specific condition. The use of allergenic extracts must be conducted under the supervision of a physician trained in the management of anaphylaxis.
Dosage for Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergist based on the patient's sensitivity level and clinical history. There is no 'standard' dose for non-standardized extracts.
While Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole can be used in children, extreme caution is required. Dosing follows the same principles of individualization as adult dosing. However, children may be at higher risk for systemic reactions, and the ability of the child to communicate early symptoms of anaphylaxis must be considered. It is generally not recommended for children under the age of 5 unless the allergic condition is severe and alternative treatments have failed.
No specific dosage adjustments are provided for renal impairment, as the extract is not cleared by the kidneys in a manner that affects systemic toxicity. However, the patient's overall health must be stable.
No dosage adjustments are required for hepatic impairment. The metabolic breakdown of proteins is not significantly impacted by moderate liver disease.
Elderly patients may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Since epinephrine (the primary treatment for anaphylaxis) can be risky in patients with severe heart disease, the benefit-risk ratio of using Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole must be carefully weighed in this population.
If an immunotherapy dose is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on how much time has elapsed.
An overdose in the context of allergenic extracts refers to the administration of a dose higher than the patient's current tolerance level.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
Most patients receiving Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole will experience localized reactions at the site of injection or testing. These are generally considered a sign that the immune system is responding to the allergen.
> Warning: Stop taking Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of anaphylaxis.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole when used as an allergenic extract. The primary long-term risk is the development of new sensitivities or the persistence of local reactions. Unlike the ingestion of the raw Aconitum plant (which can cause permanent neurological or cardiac damage), the allergenic extract is used in minute quantities that do not accumulate in tissues.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is intended only for use by physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Because of the risk of severe systemic reactions, a careful assessment of the patient's current health status must be performed before every single injection. Patients should be asked about any recent asthma flares, infections, or new medications.
No specific FDA black box warning is uniquely assigned to Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole specifically, but it falls under the general class warning for Allergenic Extracts. This warning emphasizes that these products can cause anaphylaxis, should only be used by experienced clinicians, and require a minimum 30-minute post-injection observation period. Fatalities have occurred with the use of allergenic extracts when these precautions were not strictly followed.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole generally does not affect the ability to drive. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction or receives epinephrine, they should not drive until they have fully recovered and have been cleared by a medical professional.
Patients should avoid alcohol consumption for several hours before and after an injection. Alcohol can increase blood flow to the skin and potentially accelerate the absorption of the allergen, increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy can be discontinued if the patient has completed a 3-5 year course and is asymptomatic. If a patient experiences a severe systemic reaction, the physician may decide to discontinue treatment permanently or significantly reduce the dose and proceed with extreme caution.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole.
For each major interaction, the mechanism typically involves either a pharmacodynamic interference (blocking the rescue medication) or a pharmacokinetic suppression of the diagnostic marker (histamine response).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis include:
Patients allergic to Aconitum lycoctonum may show cross-reactivity with other members of the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family, including Delphinium (Larkspur) or other Aconitum species (like Aconitum napellus). Clinicians should be aware that testing for one may trigger reactions in a patient highly sensitive to another member of the family.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole.
Pregnancy Category C: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole in pregnant women. The primary risk during pregnancy is not the extract itself, but the potential for anaphylaxis in the mother. Anaphylaxis can cause a sudden drop in maternal blood pressure, leading to placental hypoperfusion and fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen), which can result in fetal distress or death.
It is not known whether the allergenic proteins or their metabolites are excreted in human milk. However, since these are large proteins that are digested in the infant's gastrointestinal tract, the risk to a nursing infant is considered extremely low. The main consideration is the mother's stability and the risk of a reaction occurring while she is caring for the infant.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is used in children, but the risk-benefit ratio must be carefully assessed. Children under 5 years of age may have difficulty cooperating with the injection procedure and may not be able to articulate the early symptoms of a systemic reaction (such as an itchy throat or 'feeling of doom'). Most allergists prefer to wait until a child is at least 5 or 6 years old before starting immunotherapy.
Patients over the age of 65 may have co-existing conditions such as coronary artery disease or COPD that increase the risks associated with immunotherapy. Additionally, the immune system's ability to develop tolerance (immunosenescence) may be reduced in older adults, potentially making the treatment less effective. Close monitoring of cardiac function is essential.
There are no specific guidelines for renal impairment. Because the extract consists of proteins that are metabolized by proteases rather than cleared by glomerular filtration, standard dosing is generally used, provided the patient is hemodynamically stable.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with liver disease. The liver is not the primary site for the immunological processing of allergenic extracts.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole acts as an immunomodulator. In a sensitized individual, the extract's proteins are captured by dendritic cells (APCs). These cells process the allergens and present them to T-lymphocytes. In an allergic person, this usually results in a Th2 response. Immunotherapy with the extract aims to redirect this toward a Th1/Treg response. This leads to the suppression of IgE production by B-cells and the induction of IgG4, which acts as a 'decoy' or 'blocking' antibody, preventing the allergen from reaching the IgE on mast cells.
The pharmacodynamic effect is measured by the reduction in allergic symptoms upon natural exposure to the plant.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Localized (Subcutaneous/Percutaneous) |
| Protein Binding | Interacts with IgE/IgG4 in serum |
| Half-life | Proteins degraded within hours/days |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (for skin reaction) |
| Metabolism | Proteolysis (protease enzymes) |
| Excretion | Cellular turnover/metabolic breakdown |
Aconitum lycoctonum contains various proteins and alkaloids. While the alkaloids (like lycoctonine and aconitine) are the source of the plant's high toxicity if ingested, the allergenic extract is processed to focus on the water-soluble protein fraction. These proteins typically range from 10 to 70 kDa in molecular weight. The extract is a complex mixture, and its potency is determined by the total protein concentration, often measured in mg/mL or W/V ratio.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is a member of the Allergenic Extracts class. Related medications include extracts for Aconitum napellus, Delphinium, and various other floral and environmental allergens used in 'allergy shots.'
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is primarily used by allergists as a diagnostic tool and a therapeutic agent for individuals with specific allergies to the Northern Wolfsbane plant. As a diagnostic tool, it is applied during skin prick testing to confirm if a patient has an IgE-mediated sensitivity to the plant's proteins. Therapeutically, it is used in allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, to desensitize the immune system over time. This treatment is intended for patients whose symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis or skin rashes, are not well-controlled by standard medications. It is never used for general medical conditions and is strictly limited to the field of allergy and immunology.
The most frequent side effects are localized to the site of the injection or skin test. Patients commonly experience redness, itching, and a raised bump (wheal) at the site where the extract was administered. These reactions usually appear within minutes and resolve within a few hours, though some 'large local reactions' can cause swelling that lasts for a day or two. Some patients may also feel slightly tired or experience a mild headache after their immunotherapy session. While these are common, they are generally not dangerous. However, any reaction that spreads beyond the injection site should be reported to a doctor immediately.
It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol consumption on the days you receive an Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, and increases blood flow throughout the body, including the skin. This physiological change can cause the allergenic extract to be absorbed into your bloodstream more rapidly than intended, significantly increasing the risk of a systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Furthermore, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as lightheadedness or flushing. To ensure maximum safety during immunotherapy, refrain from drinking for at least 24 hours around your appointment.
The use of Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole during pregnancy is approached with extreme caution. While the extract itself is not known to cause birth defects, the risk of a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother poses a severe threat to the fetus. If the mother's blood pressure drops during a reaction, the fetus may be deprived of oxygen, leading to potential injury or loss of the pregnancy. Consequently, allergists almost never start new immunotherapy during pregnancy. If a patient is already on a stable maintenance dose, the treatment may be continued at that same dose, but only after a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits between the patient and her physician.
The timeline for Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole depends on whether it is being used for testing or treatment. For diagnostic skin testing, the results are visible almost immediately, typically within 15 to 20 minutes. For allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), the process is much slower. Most patients do not notice a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms until they reach their 'maintenance dose,' which usually takes 3 to 6 months of weekly injections. Full therapeutic benefits and long-term immune tolerance generally require 12 months or more of consistent treatment. Most experts recommend continuing the treatment for 3 to 5 years for lasting results.
Yes, you can stop taking Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole immunotherapy injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms like those associated with narcotics or antidepressants. However, stopping the treatment prematurely, especially before reaching the maintenance phase or completing the recommended 3-5 year course, will likely result in the return of your allergy symptoms. If you miss several doses, you cannot simply resume at your previous dose because your sensitivity may have increased; your doctor will need to adjust your schedule. Always consult your allergist before deciding to discontinue treatment to discuss alternative management strategies for your allergies.
If you miss a scheduled immunotherapy injection of Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole, you should contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to 'double up' on your next dose or administer it yourself. The safety of immunotherapy depends on a specific timing schedule. If you are only a few days late, your doctor may give you your usual dose. However, if you have missed several weeks, your immune system's tolerance may have dropped, and your doctor will likely need to reduce the dose for your next injection to prevent a reaction. Following a missed dose, your observation period in the clinic may be extended for extra safety.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole allergenic extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of proteins and is administered in very small quantities that do not affect the body's metabolism, appetite, or fat storage. Unlike systemic corticosteroids (such as prednisone), which are sometimes used to treat severe allergies and are well-known for causing weight gain and fluid retention, allergenic extracts work specifically on the immune system's response to a particular plant. If you experience unexplained weight gain while undergoing immunotherapy, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider to identify other potential causes.
Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole can be taken alongside many common medications, but there are critical exceptions. You must inform your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (often prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions), as these can make an allergic reaction much harder to treat. Additionally, if you are undergoing skin testing, you must stop taking antihistamines for several days beforehand, as they will block the test results. Most other routine medications for cholesterol, diabetes, or thyroid issues do not interact with the extract. Always provide your allergist with a complete and updated list of all medications, including over-the-counter supplements, to ensure your safety.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' is slightly different for allergenic extracts compared to standard pills. Aconitum Lycoctonum Whole is a biological product, and because it is a 'non-standardized' extract, different manufacturers may produce versions that vary slightly in their protein composition. While there may be multiple suppliers of *Aconitum lycoctonum* extract, they are not considered interchangeable in the same way generic ibuprofen is interchangeable with Advil. If your doctor switches you to an extract from a different manufacturer, they will often restart the 'build-up' process or reduce the dose significantly to ensure that the slight differences in the extract do not trigger an adverse reaction.