dexpanthenol

Dexpanthenol is a topical emollient applied on the skin to relieve itching from eczema and other skin disorders, and promote the healing of skin lesions.

Dexpanthenol is used as an ingredient in skin and hair care products that are available over the counter (OTC). Dexpanthenol moisturizes dry and scaly skin and helps keep the skin soft and supple.

Dexpanthenol, the active form of panthenol, is a structurally similar analog of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA has many biological functions which include synthesis of compounds essential for epithelial tissue that covers all the internal and external surfaces of the body.

When topically applied, dexpanthenol forms a protective coating over the skin preventing loss of moisture, reduces inflammation, and promotes the proliferation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are a type of cells in the connective tissue that help form the framework structure (extracellular matrix) for all tissue and organs. Fibroblasts help form new epithelial tissue in skin lesions and wounds, helping them heal.

Warnings

• Do not use if you are hypersensitive to any of the components of dexpanthenol.
• Dexpanthenol is for external use only. Avoid exposure to eyes.

Common side effects of dexpanthenol include:

• Irritation
• Tingling
• Itching
• Hives (urticaria)
• Allergic reactions

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms or serious side effects while using this drug:

• Serious heart symptoms include fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness;
• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction with very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, and feeling like you might pass out; or
• Serious eye symptoms include blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.

This is not a complete list of all side effects or adverse reactions that may occur from the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may also report side effects or health problems to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Topical Cream

• 2%

Adult and Pediatric:

Dermatoses and Eczema

• Apply topically to affected area(s) once daily or every 12 hours

Overdose

• Topical dexpanthenol is unlikely to result in overdose.
• Oral ingestion is unlikely to result in any serious adverse effects but may cause gastrointestinal distress which should resolve on its own.

Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, who can advise you on any possible drug interactions. Never begin taking, suddenly discontinue, or change the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

• Dexpanthenol has no listed severe, serious, moderate, or mild interactions with other drugs.

The drug interactions listed above are not all of the possible interactions or adverse effects. For more information on drug interactions, visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker.

It is important to always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use, as well as the dosage for each, and keep a list of the information.

Check with your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions about the medication.

• There are no studies on the safety of dexpanthenol use during pregnancy. Use with caution in pregnant women only if maternal benefits outweigh potential fetal risks.
• It is not known if dexpanthenol is excreted in breast milk, but it likely is. Use with caution if you are breastfeeding. If you apply on the nipple region, wash off thoroughly before nursing.
• Always check with your healthcare provider before using any OTC product, including dexpanthenol, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• Topical application of dexpanthenol should be safe for most adults.
• Apply dexpanthenol exactly as per label instructions.
• Store safely out of reach of children.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.