Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) - Uses, Dose, Side effects, MOA, Brands

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) is a vitamin B-5 or pantothenic acid that is used as a topical cream for the relief of itching following allergic skin diseases. 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 the 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 healing of minor dermatoses.

Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm) Dose in Adults

Note: Dexpanthenol injection is not available in US.

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

Topical: Apply to the affected area of the skin once or twice a day.

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

IM: 250 or 500 mg,
The dose may be repeated in two hours, and then every six hours until the risk of paralytic ileus is no more.
Note: A dose of 500 mg (2 mL) may be administered intravenously if needed.

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

IM: 500 mg,
The dose may be repeated in two hours, and then every six hours as needed.
Note: A dose of 500 mg (2 mL) may be administered intravenously if needed.

Use in Children:

Not indicated.

Pregnancy Risk Factor C

It has not yet been tested in human or animal pregnancy studies.

Use of dexpanthenol while breastfeeding

As the lactation increases, nursing mothers should assess their RDA.
The excretion of the drug in breastmilk is unknown.
It is recommended that you use it with caution if you are breastfeeding.

Dose in Kidney Disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

Dose in Liver disease:

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.

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):

The manufacturer's labeling does not list any contraindications

Warnings and precautions

Hypersensitivity reaction
- If there is a hypersensitivity reaction, the treatment should be stopped immediately.

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned

How to administer Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm)?

Topical:

It is intended for external use only and applied directly to the affected area.

Injection:

It may be administered as an IM or a slow intravenous infusion.
If it is administered intravenously, the drug is added in a dose of 500 mg equivalent to 2 ml to a large volume of D5W or lactated Ringer's and infused slowly.
It should not be administered within one hour of succinylcholine.

Mechanism of action of Dexpanthenol (Panthoderm):

It is an analog to vitamin B5 (pantothenic acids) and is converted internally into co-enzyme.
Co-enzyme B is an essential component of the synthesis of fatty acid, amino acids and it is required for the conversion of choline to Acetylcholine (an important neurotransmitter).