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| Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
Other commonly used names are vitamin B 5 and calcium pantothenate .
Generic name product may also be available in the U.S.
+ Not commercially available in Canada.
Vitamins (VYE-ta-mins) are compounds that you must have for growth and health. They are needed in only small amounts and are usually available in the foods that you eat. Pantothenic acid (pan-toh-THEN-ik AS-id) (vitamin B 5 ) is needed for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
No problems have been found that are due to a lack of pantothenic acid alone. However, a lack of one B vitamin usually goes along with a lack of others, so pantothenic acid is often included in B complex products.
Claims that pantothenic acid is effective for treatment of nerve damage, breathing problems, itching and other skin problems, and poisoning with some other drugs; for getting rid of or preventing gray hair; for preventing arthritis, allergies, and birth defects; or for improving mental ability have not been proven.
This vitamin is available without a prescription in the following dosage forms:
Pantothenic acid is found in various foods including peas and beans (except green beans), lean meat, poultry, fish, and whole-grain cereals. Little pantothenic acid is lost from foods with ordinary cooking.
Vitamins alone will not take the place of a good diet and will not provide energy. Your body also needs other substances found in food--protein, minerals, carbohydrates, and fat.
The daily amount of pantothenic acid needed is defined in several different ways.
Because lack of pantothenic acid is so rare, there is no RDA or RNI for this vitamin. The following daily intakes are thought to be plenty for most individuals:
If you are taking this dietary supplement without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For pantothenic acid, the following should be considered:
Allergies--Tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy--It is especially important that you are receiving enough vitamins when you become pregnant and that you continue to receive the right amount of vitamins throughout your pregnancy. The healthy growth and development of the fetus depend on a steady supply of nutrients from the mother. However, taking large amounts of a nutritional supplement during pregnancy may be harmful to the mother and/or fetus and should be avoided.
Breast-feeding--It is especially important that you receive the right amounts of vitamins so that your baby will also get the vitamins needed to grow properly. However, taking large amounts of a nutritional supplement while breast-feeding may be harmful to the mother and/or baby and should be avoided.
Children--Problems in children have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts.
Older adults--Problems in older adults have not been reported with intake of normal daily recommended amounts.
Other medicines or dietary supplements--Although certain medicines or dietary supplements should not be used together
at all, in other cases two different medicines or dietary supplements may
be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your
health care professional may want to change the dose, or other precautions
may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any
other prescription, nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, or
dietary supplements. Dosing--The amount of pantothenic acid needed to meet
normal daily recommended
intakes will be different for different individuals. The following information
includes only the average amounts of pantothenic acid.
Missed dose--If you miss taking a vitamin for one or more days
there is no cause for
concern, since it takes some time for your body to become seriously low in
vitamins. However, if your health care professional has recommended that you
take this vitamin, try to remember to take it as directed every day.
Storage--To store this dietary supplement:
Along with its needed effects, a dietary supplement may cause some unwanted
effects. Although pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects,
check with your health care professional if you notice any unusual effects
while you are taking it.
Revised: 07/16/92
Proper Use of This Dietary Supplement
Side Effects of This Dietary Supplement
Interim revision: 08/15/94
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