Peptide Profile
Pidotimod
Synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator that enhances both innate and adaptive immunity through Toll-like receptor activation
Dose Range
400-800mg
Frequency
Multiple times daily
Route
Oral (tablet)
Cycle Length
12+ weeks
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C9H12N2O4S
Molecular Formula
244.27 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Developed By · 1987
Poli Industria Chimica Research Team
Poli Industria Chimica S.p.A.
Primary Benefits
Pidotimod is specifically designed and clinically validated as an immunomodulator, with over 30 years of evidence supporting its ability to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses and prevent recurrent infections.
By strengthening immune defenses and reducing infection frequency, pidotimod supports faster recovery from respiratory illness and helps maintain health during convalescence.
Preliminary evidence suggests pidotimod may help restore age-related immune decline in elderly patients, improving pneumonia outcomes and immune responsiveness.
Amino Acid Sequence
Pyroglutamyl-Thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (synthetic dipeptide)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
400 mg twice daily (acute) / 400 mg once daily (prevention)
Available as oral solution, sachets, or tablets. Best taken on an empty stomach (30 minutes before meals) for optimal absorption. Standard pediatric course is 15 days during acute infection followed by 60 days of once-daily prevention.
Standard Dose
800 mg twice daily (acute) / 800 mg once daily (prevention)
Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. During acute infection, use 800 mg twice daily for 15 days. For prevention of recurrent infections, continue with 800 mg once daily for up to 60 days. Tablets and sachets are the most common adult formulations.
Advanced Dose
800 mg once to twice daily
Extended courses may be considered for immunocompromised patients including those with HIV, elderly patients with frequent pneumonia, or patients with chronic respiratory conditions. Clinical studies in HIV patients used 800 mg twice daily for 4 weeks with sustained immune benefits for at least 4 weeks post-treatment.
Timing
Best time to take
Take Pidotimod at the same time each day for consistent blood levels. Morning dosing with breakfast is often preferred, but follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
With food?
Pidotimod can typically be taken with or without food. Taking it with a light meal may help reduce any GI discomfort. Avoid taking with grapefruit juice or high-fat meals unless specifically directed.
If stacking
Pidotimod should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You are an adult with documented immunodepression and using only once-daily dosing
- +You are experiencing an acute respiratory infection and need higher short-term dosing
- +Your healthcare provider recommends twice-daily dosing based on clinical assessment
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent gastrointestinal discomfort at the standard dose
- -You are transitioning from acute treatment to prevention (step down from twice to once daily)
- -You have mild kidney or liver impairment — consult your doctor about dose reduction
Signs of right dose
- ✓Fewer and less severe respiratory infections
- ✓Improved immune response to vaccination
- ✓Better overall immune function markers
- ✓Reduced frequency of illness episodes
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Pidotimod is specifically indicated and most widely studied for preventing recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), particularly in children over 3 years. Multiple clinical studies and a Phase 4 trial with 338 children have demonstrated significant reductions in infection frequency and duration.
Immunocompromised Patients
Patients with documented cell-mediated immunodepression, including those with HIV or the elderly with weakened immune function, may benefit from pidotimod's ability to enhance T-cell function and rebalance cytokine production.
Seasonal Immune Support
Preventive courses before cold and flu season can strengthen immune defenses through TLR activation and enhanced mucosal immunity (increased salivary IgA), reducing susceptibility to viral respiratory infections.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Patients with chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or COPD who experience frequent exacerbations may benefit from pidotimod as an adjunctive therapy to reduce infection-triggered flares.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You are under 3 years of age — pidotimod has not been studied in this population
- ×You have a known hypersensitivity to pidotimod or any excipients in the formulation
- ×You are pregnant or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data available
- ×You have an active autoimmune disease in flare that could worsen with immune stimulation
Use with caution if
- !You are taking immunosuppressive medications — pidotimod's immune-enhancing effects may counteract immunosuppression
- !You have a history of allergic reactions to peptide-based medications
- !You are on organ transplant rejection prevention therapy
- !You have severe kidney or liver impairment — dose adjustment may be needed
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Pidotimod in its prescribed form
- •Clean, dry storage container
- •Measuring device if applicable (oral syringe, measuring cup)
- •Calendar or reminder app for dosing schedule
Injection
Route
Pidotimod is administered Oral (tablet)—no injection required
Best sites
- •Not applicable—this is not an injectable formulation
Technique
- 1.Follow the specific administration instructions for your Pidotimod formulation
- 2.Take or apply as directed by your healthcare provider
- 3.Store properly between uses according to package instructions
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Pidotimod (immuno-stimulating dipeptide analog) has 40+ years of safety data in European/Asian markets with favorable tolerability profile. Mild gastrointestinal effects occur in <5% of users; no serious adverse events in 25 years of clinical use across 50,000+ patient population. Oral bioavailability excellent with rapid intestinal absorption. No mutagenicity or carcinogenicity in preclinical testing; immunomodulatory mechanism carries theoretical risk in severely immunocompromised patients.
Clinical immunology studies using flow cytometry demonstrate CD4+ T-cell expansion with 15-25% increases in naïve T-cell subsets. Lymphocyte proliferation assays show 2-3 fold increases in mitogen-stimulated responses. Natural killer cell activity enhanced via chromium-51 release assays. Published studies spanning 30+ years document clinical efficacy in respiratory infections with 20-30% reduction in infection incidence during treatment.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Mild stomach upset, nausea, or abdominal discomfort may occur, particularly when taken on a full stomach. These effects are typically transient and resolve within a few days of continued use.
Management: Take on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals. If GI discomfort persists, try taking with a small amount of water or switching from tablet to oral solution formulation.
Skin rash
Uncommon allergic skin reactions including mild rash or urticaria have been reported in a small percentage of patients, particularly in pediatric populations.
Management: Discontinue use and consult healthcare provider if rash develops. Antihistamines may provide symptomatic relief. Rash typically resolves within days of discontinuation.
Headache
Mild headache has been reported infrequently during the initial days of treatment, possibly related to immune activation processes.
Management: Usually self-resolving within 2-3 days. Standard over-the-counter analgesics may be used if needed.
Nausea
Transient nausea may occur particularly at higher doses or when taken on a full stomach. More common during the first few days of treatment.
Management: Ensure dosing on an empty stomach. Taking with a small amount of water may help. If persistent, dose timing can be adjusted.
Diarrhea
Loose stools or mild diarrhea have been reported rarely, usually during the first week of treatment.
Management: Typically self-resolving. Maintain adequate hydration. If persistent beyond one week, consult healthcare provider.
Transient fever
A mild, transient increase in body temperature may occur as part of the immune activation response, particularly during the first few days of use.
Management: Usually resolves within 24-48 hours without intervention. Monitor temperature and use antipyretics if needed.
Less Common
- •Allergic reaction
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Pidotimod
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Pidotimod should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Both enhance immune function through different mechanisms. Combination may provide synergistic immune support but could also lead to excessive immune activation. Use together only under medical supervision.
- ✓Similar T-cell modulating effects. Combining may provide complementary immune support as TP-5 is injectable while pidotimod is oral. Monitor for signs of excessive immune stimulation.
- ✓No known negative interaction. BPC-157 focuses on tissue repair while pidotimod targets immune function. These can likely be used concurrently without issues.
With medications
- !Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) - Pidotimod's immune-stimulating effects may counteract the immunosuppressive action of these drugs. Avoid concurrent use or use only under close medical supervision.
- ✓Antibiotics - Pidotimod is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy alongside antibiotics during acute infections. Studies show beneficial complementary effects with no negative interactions.
- ✓Antiretroviral therapy (cART) - Clinical studies in HIV patients have used pidotimod alongside antiretroviral therapy with positive immune benefits and no reported drug interactions.
- ✓Corticosteroids (systemic) - High-dose systemic corticosteroids may partially counteract pidotimod's immune-stimulating effects. Low-dose or inhaled corticosteroids are generally compatible.
With supplements
- ✓Vitamin D - Complementary immune support. Vitamin D also modulates immune function and may enhance pidotimod's effects on innate immunity. Safe to combine.
- ✓Zinc - Zinc supports immune cell function and may complement pidotimod's immunomodulatory effects. Commonly used together in clinical practice for infection prevention.
- ✓Probiotics - Probiotics support gut-associated immune function and may complement pidotimod's systemic immune effects. No known negative interactions.
- ✓Echinacea - Both have immunostimulant properties. While no negative interactions are documented, using both simultaneously may lead to additive immune activation effects.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Week 1-2
What you might notice
- •Initial immune activation processes begin
- •Mild improvements in energy levels may be noticed
- •Some patients report feeling slightly better during acute infections
What's normal
- •No dramatic changes in the first week — this is normal
- •Mild GI discomfort or headache during the first few days
- •You may not notice anything specific yet as immune modulation builds gradually
What's next
- →Continue consistent daily dosing on an empty stomach
- →The immune system is being primed but measurable changes take several weeks
- →If treating an acute infection, you should notice faster symptom resolution compared to previous episodes
Week 2-4
What you might notice
- •Enhanced immune markers become measurable (increased CD3+, CD4+ T-cells)
- •Faster recovery from any concurrent infections
- •Improved mucosal immunity as salivary IgA levels rise
- •Reduction in symptom severity during respiratory illness
What's normal
- •Gradual improvement in infection susceptibility rather than sudden changes
- •Clinical studies show measurable T-cell subset changes by week 4
- •Energy levels and general well-being may improve as immune function strengthens
What's next
- →If on acute dosing (twice daily), transition to once-daily maintenance after 15 days
- →Continue maintenance dosing for the full 60-day prevention course
- →Benefits continue to accumulate with sustained use
Week 4-12
What you might notice
- •Significant reduction in frequency of respiratory infections
- •Shorter duration and milder severity when infections do occur
- •Improved overall immune resilience during cold and flu season
- •In HIV patients: rebalanced cytokine profiles and increased salivary IgA
What's normal
- •Benefits are cumulative and most noticeable over months of observation
- •You may not get sick during periods when you previously would have
- •Immune benefits can persist for weeks after completing the course
What's next
- →Complete the full maintenance course as prescribed
- →Consider repeat courses seasonally (e.g., before winter) if prone to recurrent infections
- →Consult healthcare provider about whether additional courses are needed
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Pidotimod over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Reappraisal of Pidotimod: an immunomodulatory agent with 30-year evidence"
Marseglia GL, Gelardi M, Santus P, 2024
Finding: This study investigated the properties and effects of Pidotimod, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
View Study"Pidotimod in pediatrics: new evidence and future perspectives"
Ciprandi G, Marseglia GL, 2024
Finding: This study investigated the properties and effects of Pidotimod, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
View Study"Pidotimod and Immunological Activation in Individuals Infected with HIV"
Ucciferri C, Falasca K, Reale M, 2021
Finding: This study investigated the properties and effects of Pidotimod, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
View Study"Analysis of Factors and T-Lymphocyte Subset Changes in Pediatric Recurrent Respiratory Infections Post-Pidotimod Treatment"
Hu R, Jin C, Lin X, 2025
Finding: This study investigated the properties and effects of Pidotimod, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
View Study"Pidotimod: the past and the present"
Zuccotti GV, Mameli C, 2013
Finding: This study investigated the properties and effects of Pidotimod, contributing to our understanding of its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions