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Overview: Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is commonly used to increase vitamin B5 levels. It is available in a variety of forms over the counter as a dietary supplement. Pantothenic acid is usually well tolerated. Before taking pantothenic acid, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is pantothenic acid used for?

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is commonly used to prevent or treat low levels of vitamin B5, which may be caused by various factors.

Pantothenic acid may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed pantothenic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does pantothenic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, plays an important role in helping your body produce energy and protect your cells from damage.

In the United States, most people get enough vitamin B5 from their diet. It is found in many different foods, including meat, eggs, milk, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and certain vegetables, such as mushrooms, avocados, and broccoli. It is also found in many fortified cereals and breads. For most adults, the recommended daily intake of vitamin B5 is 5 milligrams (mg). However, some people either do not get enough from their diet or have trouble absorbing it. When this happens, you can take pantothenic acid to replace what you are not getting from your diet.

How is pantothenic acid supplied (dosage forms)?

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms.

Pantothenic acid is also found as an ingredient in some multivitamins, B-complex vitamins, or other supplements.

How should I store pantothenic acid?

You should store pantothenic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of pantothenic acid?

Pantothenic acid is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of pantothenic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of pantothenic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of pantothenic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Pantothenic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking pantothenic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives, which can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use pantothenic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take pantothenic acid.

  • Calcium pantothenate
  • Pantothenate
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Pantethine
  • Vitamin B5
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pantothenic acid products they stock.

What should I know about pantothenic acid before using it?

Pantothenic acid is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep pantothenic acid out of the reach of children.

The FDA has not tested pantothenic acid products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using pantothenic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pantothenic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN). People with this rare condition are at a high risk of vitamin B5 deficiency. Talk to your health care provider about how to manage this condition.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pantothenic acid while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Pantothenic acid passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take pantothenic acid while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does pantothenic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between pantothenic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pantothenic acid.

Does pantothenic acid interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between pantothenic acid and medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between pantothenic acid and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with pantothenic acid is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking pantothenic acid with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much pantothenic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much pantothenic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of pantothenic acid?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.