PANTOTHENIC ACID (Vitamin B-5)

Brand & Generic Names

CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE
Dexol T.D.
An ingredient in numerous mul	tiple vitamin-mineral supplements.
Check labels.

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? No
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Vitamin supplement

Uses

Prevents and treats vitamin B-5 deficiency.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember, then resume regular schedule.

What drug does:
Acts as co-enzyme in carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 20 minutes.

Don't take with:
Levodopa--Small amounts of pantothenic acid will nullify levodopa effect. Carbidopa-levodopa combination not affected by this interaction.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
None expected.

WHAT TO DO:

Overdose unlikely to threaten life.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

Heartburn.

Infrequent:

Cramps.

Rare:

Rash, hives, difficult breathing.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to pantothenic acid.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have hemophilia.

Over age 60:
No problems expected.

Pregnancy:
Don't exceed recommended dose. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Don't exceed recommended dose. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Don't exceed recommended dose.

Prolonged use:
Large doses for more than 1 month may cause toxicity.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
No problems expected.

Discontinuing:
No problems expected.

Others:
Regular pantothenic acid supplements are recommended if you take chloramphenicol, cycloserine, ethionamide, hydralazine, immunosuppressants*, isoniazid or penicillamine. These decrease pantothenic acid absorption and can cause anemia or tingling and numbness in hands and feet.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	None expected.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	May decrease pantothenic acid
	absorption. Decreased pantothenic
	acid effect.