Pantothenic Acid Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Pantothenic Acid interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Pantothenic Acid is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Pantothenic Acid is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Pantothenic Acid against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Pantothenic Acid
0 medications have a known interaction with Pantothenic Acid, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Pantothenic Acid. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Pantothenic Acid combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Pantothenic Acid: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Pantothenic acid is vitamin B5, an essential nutrient your body uses to turn food into energy. True deficiency is very rare because it is found in nearly all foods, and most people meet their needs through diet. Supplements are generally considered safe, but evidence that extra amounts treat acne, high cholesterol, or other conditions is limited.
- Common forms
- Tablets, capsules, softgels, multivitamins, topical creams (as panthenol)
- General nutrition and energy
- Skin and hair health
- Acne (topical and oral)
- Wound healing (as panthenol)
- Cholesterol support (as pantethine)
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Considered safe for most people at typical supplement doses, with few side effects.
When used orally and appropriately. The daily adequate intake (AI) during pregnancy is 6 mg.
Read the full pregnancy detailWhen used orally and appropriately. The daily adequate intake (AI) during lactation is 7 mg.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Pantothenic acid is one of the B vitamins, known as vitamin B5. It is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body does not store large amounts of it and you need a steady supply from food.
The name comes from a Greek word meaning "from everywhere," because this vitamin is found in almost all plant and animal foods. Good sources include meat, eggs, whole grains, legumes, avocados, mushrooms, and many vegetables.
People take pantothenic acid as part of a multivitamin or B-complex, or as a separate supplement. A related form called panthenol is used in many skin and hair products, and a form called pantethine has been studied for cholesterol.
How it works
Pantothenic acid is needed to make a molecule called coenzyme A, which your body uses to break down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins for energy. It also helps build certain fats, hormones, and other important substances.
Because coenzyme A is involved in so many basic chemical reactions, the vitamin plays a role throughout the body. This broad role is why marketers connect it to energy, skin, and hair, but having more than your body needs does not necessarily speed these processes up.
The proposed effects on acne and cholesterol come mostly from small studies and laboratory work, and the exact mechanisms are not fully proven in humans.
Does Pantothenic Acid work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Effective Pantothenic acid deficiency
Taking pantothenic acid 5-10 mg daily is effective for treating and preventing pantothenic acid deficiency.
Possibly Ineffective Radiation dermatitis
Topical dexpanthenol does not seem to be beneficial for preventing or treating radiation dermatitis.
Also studied for 42 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Acne
Oral or topical pantothenic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alcoholism
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for improving recovery from alcoholism, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Alopecia areata
Pantothenic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Anxiety
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for anxiety, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid to improve athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this purpose.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
It is unclear if topical pantothenic acid is beneficial in infants or children with atopic dermatitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Oral pantothenic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Autism spectrum disorder
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for autism spectrum disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Carpal tunnel syndrome
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for carpal tunnel syndrome, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cheilitis
Topical pantothenic acid has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Conjunctivitis
Although there is interest in using oral or ocular pantothenic acid for conjunctivitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
It is unclear if oral or intramuscular dexpanthenol is beneficial for constipation.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dandruff
Although there is interest in using oral or topical pantothenic acid for dandruff, is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for depression, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diaper rash
Although there is interest in using topical pantothenic acid for diaper rash, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry eye
Although there is interest in using ocular pantothenic acid for dry eye, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dry skin
It is unclear if topical dexpanthenol is beneficial for patients with dry skin.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Epilepsy
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for epilepsy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Eye trauma
It is unclear if ocular dexpanthenol is beneficial for eye trauma.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Heart failure
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for heart failure, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Herpes zoster (shingles)
Although there is interest in using oral or topical pantothenic acid for shingles, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Insomnia
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for insomnia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Laser skin resurfacing
It is unclear if topical dexpanthenol or pantothenic acid can reduce adverse effects after laser skin resurfacing procedures.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for MS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscular dystrophy
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for muscular dystrophy, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Nipple fissures
Although there is interest in using topical pantothenic acid for nipple fissures, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Parkinson disease
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for Parkinson disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Poison oak and poison ivy dermatitis
Although there is interest in using topical pantothenic acid for poison ivy dermatitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative pain
It is unclear if oral pantothenic acid is beneficial for postoperative pain.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postoperative sore throat
It is unclear if pantothenic acid lozenges are beneficial for postoperative sore throat.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pregnancy-related leg cramps
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for pregnancy-related leg cramps, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for PMS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Respiratory tract infections
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for respiratory tract infections, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rhinosinusitis
It is unclear if nasal dexpanthenol is beneficial for rhinosinusitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Skin irritation
It is unclear if topical dexpanthenol is beneficial for preventing or treating skin irritation due to sodium lauryl sulfate.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Ulcerative colitis
Although there is interest in using oral or rectal pantothenic acid for ulcerative colitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Vertigo
Although there is interest in using oral pantothenic acid for vertigo, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of pantothenic acid for this condition.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Preliminary clinical research suggests that oral dexpanthenol might be beneficial for wound healing.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
Pantothenic acid is generally considered safe for most people when taken at normal amounts. Because it is water-soluble, extra amounts are usually passed in the urine rather than stored.
People with kidney problems or other chronic health conditions should talk with a pharmacist or doctor before taking high-dose supplements. If you have a medical condition or take medications, it is always wise to check first.
For pregnancy and breastfeeding, the amounts found in food and standard prenatal vitamins are appropriate and expected. There is not enough safety information on very high-dose supplements, so avoid those unless your doctor recommends them.
Side effects
At usual doses, pantothenic acid rarely causes side effects. Very high doses (much larger than dietary amounts) have occasionally been linked to diarrhea or mild digestive upset.
Serious reactions are uncommon. As with any supplement, an allergic reaction is possible. Stop use and seek medical care if you develop rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Pantothenic Acid: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Pantothenic Acid from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Orally, pantothenic acid is generally well tolerated. Topically and intramuscularly, dexpanthenol, a synthetic form of pantothenic acid, seems to be well tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Topically: Burning, contact dermatitis, eczema, irritation, and itching related to dexpanthenol.
Dermatitis Dermatologic
Topically, dexpanthenol has been associated with itching, burning, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and eczema. Three cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported.
- Schmuth, M., Wimmer, M. A., Hofer, S., Sztankay, A., Weinlich, G., Linder, D. M., Elias, P. M., Fritsch, P. O., and Fritsch, E. Topical corticosteroid therapy for acute radiation dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Br.J.Dermatol. 2
- Schreck, U., Paulsen, F., Bamberg, M., and Budach, W. Intraindividual comparison of two different skin care conceptions in patients undergoing radiotherapy of the head-and-neck region. Creme or powder? Strahlenther.Onkol. 2002;178(6):321-329.
- Herbst, R. A., Uter, W., Pirker, C., Geier, J., and Frosch, P. J. Allergic and non-allergic periorbital dermatitis: patch test results of the Information Network of the Departments of Dermatology during a 5-year period. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51(1):13-1
- Scott LN, Fiume M, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol 2022;41(3_suppl):77-128.
- Peltier E, Trapp S, de Salvo R, et al. A new dexpanthenol-containing liquid cleanser for atopic-prone skin: Results from two prospective clinical studies evaluating cutaneous tolerability, moisturization potential, and effects on barrier function. J Cosme
- Han J, Warshaw EM. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Panthenol in "Hypoallergenic" Products. Dermatitis 2023;34(1):62-63.
- Blanchard G, Kerre S, Walker A, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from pantolactone and dexpanthenol in wound healing creams. Contact Dermatitis 2022;87(5):468-471.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Orally, pantothenic acid has been associated with diarrhea.
Myasthenia gravis Cardiovascular
There is one case of eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion in a patient taking pantothenic acid 300 mg per day in combination with biotin 10 mg per day for 2 months.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no single standardized "treatment" dose of pantothenic acid for most uses. Nutrition authorities set general daily intake amounts for adults to prevent deficiency, and most people easily get this from food.
Supplement products vary widely in how much they contain, with some marketed for acne or other uses providing amounts far above dietary needs. The safety and value of these high doses are not well established.
The best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially before taking high-dose products. Do not assume more is better.
Pantothenic Acid & Pregnancy
Pantothenic Acid & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 11 references that drive our Pantothenic Acid monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
- Debourdeau PM, Djezzar S, Estival JL, et al. Life-threatening eosinophilic pleuropericardial effusion related to vitamins B5 and H. Ann Pharmacother 2001;35:424-6. DOI
- Schmuth, M., Wimmer, M. A., Hofer, S., Sztankay, A., Weinlich, G., Linder, D. M., Elias, P. M., Fritsch, P. O., and Fritsch, E. Topical corticosteroid therapy for acute radiation dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Br.J.Dermatol. 2 PubMed
- Schreck, U., Paulsen, F., Bamberg, M., and Budach, W. Intraindividual comparison of two different skin care conceptions in patients undergoing radiotherapy of the head-and-neck region. Creme or powder? Strahlenther.Onkol. 2002;178(6):321-329. PubMed
- Herbst, R. A., Uter, W., Pirker, C., Geier, J., and Frosch, P. J. Allergic and non-allergic periorbital dermatitis: patch test results of the Information Network of the Departments of Dermatology during a 5-year period. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51(1):13-1 PubMed
- Champault, G. and Patel, J. C. [Treatment of constipation with Bepanthene]. Med.Chir Dig. 1977;6(1):57-59.
- Scott LN, Fiume M, Bergfeld WF, et al. Safety Assessment of Panthenol, Pantothenic Acid, and Derivatives as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol 2022;41(3_suppl):77-128. PubMed
- Han J, Warshaw EM. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Panthenol in "Hypoallergenic" Products. Dermatitis 2023;34(1):62-63. PubMed
- Blanchard G, Kerre S, Walker A, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from pantolactone and dexpanthenol in wound healing creams. Contact Dermatitis 2022;87(5):468-471. PubMed
- Peltier E, Trapp S, de Salvo R, et al. A new dexpanthenol-containing liquid cleanser for atopic-prone skin: Results from two prospective clinical studies evaluating cutaneous tolerability, moisturization potential, and effects on barrier function. J Cosme PubMed
This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Brands that make products with Pantothenic Acid
1,492 brands in our database make a supplement containing Pantothenic Acid.
Supplement products with Pantothenic Acid
17,082 products in our database contain Pantothenic Acid. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.
Pantothenic Acid: Common Questions
What is Pantothenic Acid used for, and does it work?
Does Pantothenic Acid interact with prescription medications?
How are Pantothenic Acid interactions rated?
Is it safe to take Pantothenic Acid with my medications?
Where does this Pantothenic Acid interaction information come from?
What is Pantothenic Acid used for?
Do I need a Pantothenic Acid supplement?
Is Pantothenic Acid safe to take?
Can I take it while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Products that contain Pantothenic Acid
A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Pantothenic Acid — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.
- Complete Foods Multi by Trace Minerals Research
- Multivitamin Cherry Flavor by NaturesPlus Animal Parade
- Multi Men's Prime by Swanson
- Women's Daily Multi by Buried Treasure Liquid Nutrients
- Stressveda by Flora
- PS 200 Phosphatidyl Serine by ProCaps Laboratories
- LifeEssence Powder Lemon-Lime Flavor by Pure Essence
- OptiCleanse GHI Creamy Chocolate by XYMOGEN
- For Women Daily Multi Vitamin by MNP Michael's Naturopathic Programs
- IsaKids Essentials by Isagenix
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