Dexpanthenol is a derivative of pantothenic acid, which is a B-vitamin (vitamin B5). It is commonly used in skincare and pharmaceutical products for its moisturizing, soothing, and wound-healing properties. Dexpanthenol gets converted to pantothenic acid in the skin, where it acts as a moisturizer by attracting and retaining moisture. It's often found in creams, lotions, ointments, and other topical formulations designed to improve skin hydration and promote wound healing.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm), a form of vitamin B-5 or pantothenic acid, is used topically to treat irritation caused by allergic skin conditions. It is also used intravenously or IM for paralytic ileus and to increase gastrointestinal motility following surgery.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Uses:

• Injection:
  • The injection formulation is indicated for prophylactic use, immediately following abdominal surgery, to minimize paralytic ileus; abdominal distension caused by intestinal atony; postpartum, or postoperative retention of flatus, or for the resumption of intestinal motility following surgery; and paralytic ileus
• Topical:
  • The topical formulation is used to relieve itching and enhances the healing of minor dermatoses.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Dose in Adults

Note: Dexpanthenol injection is not available in the US.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Dose in the treatment of Minor dermatoses:

• For treating minor skin problems, like rashes or irritation, you'd use dexpanthenol as a cream or lotion.
• You'd apply it to the affected area once or twice a day. That's how you'd use it to help your skin get better.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Dose in the Prevention of postoperative paralytic ileus:

• To prevent a condition called postoperative paralytic ileus, which is when the intestines stop moving after surgery, dexpanthenol can be given as an injection into the muscle (IM).
• The typical dose is 250 or 500 milligrams.
• After the first dose, it can be repeated in 2 hours, and then given every 6 hours until the risk of paralytic ileus is no longer a concern.
• If necessary, the same dose of 500 milligrams (which is 2 milliliters) can also be given directly into the vein (IV).
• This helps the intestines keep moving properly after surgery.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Dose in the treatment of paralytic ileus:

• The usual dose is 500 milligrams.
• After the first dose, it can be repeated in 2 hours, and then given every 6 hours as necessary.
• If required, the same dose of 500 milligrams (which is 2 milliliters) can also be administered directly into the vein (IV).
• This helps stimulate intestinal movement and restore normal bowel function.

Use in Children:

Not indicated.   

Pregnancy Risk Factor C

• When it comes to pregnancy, dexpanthenol falls under category C for risk.
• This means that there haven't been specific studies done on animals to understand its effects on pregnancy.
• So, while it's not completely clear how it might affect pregnancy, it's important to talk to a doctor before using it if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, just to be safe.

Use of dexpanthenol while breastfeeding

• For breastfeeding women, it's suggested they follow the U.S.
• Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamins because their needs may be higher than those who are not breastfeeding.
• It's not clear whether dexpanthenol, a form of vitamin B5, is passed into breast milk.
• The manufacturer advises caution when giving dexpanthenol to nursing mothers.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

• The manufacturer's labeling doesn't specify any dosage adjustments for dexpanthenol in cases of renal impairment.
• This means that no special changes in dosage are recommended for individuals with kidney problems.

Dose in Liver disease:

• According to the manufacturer's labeling, no dosage adjustments are specified for dexpanthenol in cases of hepatic impairment.
• This means that there are no specific changes in dosage recommended for individuals with liver problems.

Side effects of Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm):

• Cardiovascular:
  • Decreased blood pressure (slight)
• Central nervous system:
  • Agitation
  • Paresthesia
• Dermatologic:
  • Dermatitis
  • Pruritus
  • Skin irritation
  • Urticaria
• Gastrointestinal:
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased peristalsis
  • Vomiting
• Hypersensitivity:
  • Hypersensitivity reaction
• Respiratory:
  • Dyspnea

Contraindications to Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm):

• According to the manufacturer's labeling, there are no contraindications listed for dexpanthenol.
• This means that there are no specific situations or conditions in which the use of dexpanthenol is strictly prohibited.

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity reaction

• If you experience any signs of a hypersensitivity reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, it's important to stop using dexpanthenol immediately.
• This is according to the manufacturer's labeling, which advises discontinuing the product if any indication of a hypersensitivity reaction occurs.
• It's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you're having an allergic reaction to dexpanthenol or any other medication.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned   

How to administer Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm)?

• For topical use, dexpanthenol should be applied directly to the affected area. It's important to note that it's intended for external use only.

• In cases where injection is necessary, dexpanthenol can be administered either intramuscularly (IM) or through a slow intravenous (IV) infusion. If IV administration is required, a dosage of 500 mg (2 mL) can be added to a large volume of D5W (5% dextrose in water) or lactated Ringer's solution and infused slowly. It's recommended to administer the injection within 1 hour of succinylcholine, a medication used for muscle relaxation during anesthesia.  

Mechanism of action of Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm):

• Dexpanthenol is indeed a pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) analog that gets converted to coenzyme A in the body.
• Coenzyme A is crucial for various metabolic processes, including fatty acid synthesis, amino acid synthesis, and the acetylation of choline, which is essential for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
• Dexpanthenol's conversion to coenzyme A supports these important biochemical pathways, contributing to overall cellular function and health.

International Brand Names of Dexpanthenol:

• Panthoderm
• Bepanten
• Bepanthen
• Bepanthene
• Bepanthol
• Bepantol
• Bethene
• Corneregel
• Dermacalm
• Dexanol
• Dexipan
• Dexnol
• Pantenol
• Panthecream
• Panthenol
• Panthenol Spray
• Pasquam
• Tentalux

Dexpanthenol Brand Names in Pakistan: