Dexpanthenol

Absorption

Dexpanthenol is soluble in water and alcohol, although insoluble in fats and oil based substances. With the appropriate vehicle, Dexpanthenol is easily penetrated into the skin. Rate of penetration and absorption is reduced when Dexpanthenol is administered as an oil/water formula.

Toxicity

Mouse LD50 : 9gm/kg (Intraperitoneal) Mouse: LD50 7gm/kg (Intravenous) Mouse: LD50 15gm/kg (Oral) Rabbit LD50 4gm/kg (Oral)

Indications

Injection: Prophylactic use immediately after major abdominal surgery to minimize the possibility of paralytic ileus. Intestinal atony causing abdominal distention; postoperative or postpartum retention of flatus, or postoperative delay in resumption of intestinal motility; paralytic ileus.
Topical: This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).

Background

Dexpanthenol is a derivative of pantothenic acid, a B complex vitamin. Dexpanthenol Injection is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, aqueous solution indicated for use as a gastrointestinal stimulant.
Due to its good penetration and high local concentrations, dexpanthanol is used in many topical products, such as ointments and lotions for treatment of dermatological conditions to relieve itching or promote healing. Dermatological effects of the topical use of dexpanthenol include increased fibroblast proliferation and accelerated re-epithelialization in wound healing. Furthermore, it acts as a topical protectant, moisturizer, and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties .
Dexpanthenol is also available as a racemic mixture containing both the dextrorotatory form (dexpanthenol) and the levorotatory form (levopanthenol) as Panthenol. While pantothenic acid is optically active, only the dextrorotatory form (dexpanthenol) is biologically active.

Definition

ChEBI: Pantothenol is a monocarboxylic acid amide that is 3,3-dimethylbutanamide substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 2 and 4 and a 3-hydroxypropyl group at the carbomyl nitrogen. It has a role as a cholinergic drug and a provitamin. It is an amino alcohol and a monocarboxylic acid amide.

Pharmacokinetics

Pantothenic acid is a precursor of coenzyme A, which serves as a cofactor for a variety of enzyme-catalyzed reactions involving transfer of acetyl groups. The final step in the synthesis of acetylcholine consists of the choline acetylase transfer of acetyl group from acetylcoenzyme A to choline. Acetylcholine is the neurohumoral transmitter in the parasympathetic system and as such maintains the normal functions of the intestine. Decrease in acetylcholine content would result in decreased peristalsis and in extreme cases adynamic ileus.

Metabolism

Dexpanthenol is readily converted to pantothenic acid which is widely distributed into body tissues, mainly as coenzyme A.

The Uses of Dexpanthenol

Dexpanthenol is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).