Pantethine Dosage Information

Pantethine is labeled as a nutritional supplement. It is not a prescription medication; therefore, no standard dosage for treatment has been established. Most patients find that the typical dose of 300 mg three times daily is sufficient. Patients with fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia who participated in one clinical study were given 600 mg/day of pantethine for six months or longer to examine whether the drug improved fatty liver using abdominal plain computed tomography (CT). Higher dosages can be utilized; however, in the majority of individuals this seems to be unnecessary. When utilizing pantethine for other clinical conditions, although information on dosage is limited, a similar schedule is advised. Both animal and human studies have shown that 600-1200 mg of pantethine daily can help those with hyperlipidemias including hypercholesterolemia.

Oral supplements of both pantothenic acid and pantethine are available. One form of pantothenic acid specifically made for oral use is Calcium pantothenate. It is generally recommended that the B-vitamin family, which includes pantothenic acid, be taken in balanced amounts. Taking an excessive amount of an individual B-vitamin may have a detrimental effect on the absorption of others. As with all supplements, pantothenic acid and pantethine should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.

People with severe nutritional deficiencies, and those with conditions affecting absorption, such as sprue or removal of portions of the gastrointestinal tract, may develop a deficiency of pantethine, pantothenic acid or other nutrients. People who abuse alcohol or other drugs, especially those with alcoholism or other substance abuse disorders, generally have nutritional deficiencies that may benefit from taking supplements. Individuals who are under excessive amounts of stress including debilitating illnesses or recovery from burns or surgery are also at higher risk of general vitamin deficiency. Elderly people are more susceptible both to poor nutritional status and decreased vitamin absorption. Use of tobacco is also detrimental to B vitamin absorption. Athletes who have a strenuous, daily physical regimen and people with physically active occupations may require larger than average amounts of pantothenic acid.

Deficiencies of pantothenic acid have been associated with fatigue, somnolence (a constant feeling of being sleepy or tired), headache, hyperreflexia of extremities, tingling, numbness, or burning in hands and feet, weakness, gastrointestinal problems, irritability, and increased numbers of infections.