PANTOTHENIC ACID General Monograph, Vitamin B5 Vitamin Pharmacology: Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble, B complex vitamin. It is a precursor of coenzyme A and is essential for acetylation reactions in gluconeogenesis, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and in the synthesis of steroid hormones, porphyrins, acetylcholine and other compounds. Pantothenic acid is a required nutrient, but is so widely distributed that deficiency in humans is unlikely. Pantothenic acid deficiency is usually found in combination with deficiency of other B complex vitamins. Requirements may be increased in malabsorption syndromes such as tropical sprue, celiac disease and enteritis. Only the dextrorotatory isomer of pantothenic acid has vitamin activity. Pharmacokinetics: Pantothenic acid is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is widely distributed to all body tissues and is not metabolized. About 70% of a dose is excreted unchanged in the urine with the remainder being excreted in the feces. Normal serum concentrations of pantothenic acid are 100 µg/mL or higher. Indications: Prevention and treatment of deficiency. Pantothenic acid has been used topically in the treatment of minor dermatoses. Precautions Precautions: Pregnancy: It is not known whether pantothenic acid can cause fetal harm. It should be used in pregnancy only when clearly needed. Lactation: No data are available. tag_Adverse Effects:Adverse Effects: Pantothenic acid is usually nontoxic, even in large doses. Dosage: In preventing nutrient deficiency, adequate dietary intake is preferred over supplementation whenever possible. For information on food sources of pantothenic acid and other vitamins, see Vitamin Food Sources in the Clin-Info section. Although there are no official recommendations for pantothenic acid daily intake, the following amounts are generally considered adequate: birth to 3 years, 2 to 3 mg; 4 to 6 years, 3 to 4 mg; 7 to 10 years, 4 to 5 mg; over 10 years, 4 to 7 mg. In the treatment of deficiency, dosage must be individualized, based on the severity of the deficiency. Each 10 mg calcium pantothenate is equivalent to 9.2 mg pantothenic acid.