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Pantethin

Pantethine is a nutritional supplement related to vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Panthetin is used to lower cholesterol levels, prevent inflammation, treat cystinosis, treat digestive tract disorders and improve athletic performance. It is also used to increase energy, reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, protect against mental and physical stress and prevent allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to formaldehyde.

How does Pantethine work?

Pantethine may increase the concentration of chemicals in the blood that lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Pantethine may be effective when used to lower blood lipid levels such as cholesterol and triglycerides, but the effect is small. Although not all study results agree, taking Pantethine may slightly lower triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels and levels of bad LDL cholesterol while increasing levels of good HDL cholesterol. Pantethine also appears to correct blood lipid problems that often occur in patients with kidney failure who are undergoing hemodialysis. There is not enough scientific data to make a statement regarding the effectiveness of Pantethine in the following applications:

  • Treatment of cystinosis: New research suggests that pantethine may be helpful in cystinosis.
  • Improving athletic performance: Some research suggests that pantethine in combination with pantothenic acid and thiamine (in the form of allithiamine) does not improve muscle strength and endurance in well-trained athletes.

There is also insufficient scientific information on the efficacy of pantethine when used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, improve adrenal gland function and prevent allergy symptoms in people who are allergic to formaldehyde. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of pantethine in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Taking Pantethine for up to one year appears to be safe and harmless for most people. Pantethine may cause nausea, diarrhea and stomach problems.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of pantethine during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Pantethine.

Blood clotting disorders: There is evidence that pantethine may slow blood clotting, which is why some doctors are concerned that pantethine may increase the risk of serious bleeding in patients with blood clotting disorders. If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, you should seek the advice of your doctor before starting to use Pantethine.

Surgeries: Pantethine could slow down blood clotting. There are concerns that this could increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. For this reason, the use of Pantethine should be stopped at least 2 weeks before planned operations.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining Pantethine with the following medications:

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Pantethine could slow down blood clotting. Taking Pantethine in combination with medicines that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen, heparin, warfarin and others.

Dosage

The following dosages have been investigated in scientific studies:

Oral

For the treatment of excessive fat in the blood (hyperlipoproteinemia): 300 mg pantethine three to four times daily.

References

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