With many diseases, patients are prescribed vitamin preparations. Often, calcium pantothenate is used as part of complex therapy. This is a vitamin B group, which takes an important part in the work of the nervous system and metabolic processes. Pantothenic acid can be produced in the body, but sometimes it is not enough. In this case, it is supplemented with tablets, injections or topically. Calcium pantothenate is available separately or as part of complex preparations.
general characteristics
Pantothenic acid, which is better known as calcium pantothenate, is very common. In the human body, this substance is synthesized in the intestine. It is part of coenzyme A, which is necessary to increase the activity of enzymes.
Calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B5) is found in many products, but is destroyed by almost 50% at high temperatures. Contains vitamin B5 in chicken meat, eggs, liver, fish roe, dairy products, legumes, nuts, buckwheat. Vitamin B5 deficiency is sometimes observed, but disruption of the intestine does not allow it to be synthesized in normal quantities, in which case it is recommended to drink vitamin preparations.
Pantothenic acid is produced in the form of tablets containing 100 mg of the active substance. They can have different names: "Pantolin", "Calcipan", "Pantothen" and others. A 20% solution for injection, powder for the preparation of a solution for topical application, 5% ointment are also used.
What is needed in the body
This is an important vitamin of group B, which regulates calcium-phosphorus metabolism. When taking preparations containing calcium pantothenate, pantothenic acid is formed in the body. It activates tissue regeneration, participates in the processes of fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Pantothenic acid stimulates the synthesis of acetylcholine, fatty acids, hemoglobin. In addition, she is involved in the production of corticosteroids, so vitamin B5 is necessary for the treatment of arthritis, allergic diseases, and colitis. It improves heart function and has a detoxifying effect.
Calcium pantothenate is necessary for the normal production of enzymes, for the formation of antibodies and for the absorption of other vitamins. In addition, it improves lipid metabolism in the body, accelerates redox processes. The body needs at least 10-12 mg of vitamin B5 per day. The need for it increases with increased physical exertion, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
With a prolonged lack of pantothenic acid, people experience increased fatigue, sleep disturbance, headaches, numbness of the fingertips, depression, nausea. At the same time, the body's resistance to infections decreases and ARVI often occurs.
Indications for use
Calcium pantothenate is part of many drugs, but most often it is used separately in the form of tablets or injections. Medications are prescribed for the complex treatment of many pathologies:
- circulatory disturbance;
- withdrawal syndrome;
- metabolic disease;
- allergic diseases;
- bronchial asthma;
- neuritis, neuralgia;
- trophic ulcers, eczema, burns, photodermatosis;
- intestinal atony or dyskinesia;
- chronic pancreatitis;
- hepatitis, liver pathology;
- gestosis of pregnant women;
- systemic lupus erythematosus.
Calcium pantothenate: instruction
The use of the drug should be prescribed by a doctor, since the dosage depends on the condition and age of the patient. Usually, adults and children over 14 years of age are prescribed 1-2 tablets 2-4 times a day. More than 800 mg of pantothenic acid should not be taken per day.
In children, the dosage is different. They need to take the drug no more than 2 times a day. At the age of 1 to 3 years, you can drink half a tablet, from 3 years - 1-2 tablets.
Calcium pantothenate is also used as an injection. Usually a 20% solution of 200-400 mg is administered 1-2 times a day. Children under 3 years of age can be taken no more than 200 mg per day, and after 3 years - no more than 400 mg. For topical use, a 5% solution or ointment is used. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the condition of the patient and the severity of the pathology. Typically, the course is from 2 weeks to 4 months.
Contraindications and side effects
The instructions for the use of calcium pantothenate say that this tool is well tolerated by all patients and rarely causes side effects. It is not recommended to take it with hypersensitivity.
In addition to allergic reactions, in people with individual intolerance, taking the drug can lead to a violation of the digestive system. Some patients report the appearance of abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn. Vomiting or diarrhea may occur. When using the drug as a solution for injection, pain may appear at the injection site.
When using calcium pantothenate as part of complex therapy, the effectiveness of treatment is increased. In addition to the fact that the substance itself has a positive effect on the patient’s condition, it can enhance the effect of some other drugs. For example, the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides increases, and the toxicity of antibiotics and anti-TB drugs decreases.