Last update May 24, 2026

Panthenol

Compatible

Safe product and/or breastfeeding is the best option.

Dexpanthenol, or provitamin B5, is an alcohol analogue of pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5. In the body, panthenol is metabolised into pantothenic acid. It is administered systemically in cases of vitamin B5 deficiency. It has also been applied topically for the treatment of certain minor skin conditions. 

As of the last update, we found no published data on its excretion in breast milk.

It has been applied to the nipple to treat and prevent pain and various nipple problems, in comparison with other products, without one proving better than another (Shanazi 2015, Morland-Schultz 2005, Kuşcu 2002) or better than any other treatment. (Morland-Schultz 2005)

The best prevention and treatment for nipple problems is proper latching technique. (Morland-Schultz 2005)

If applied to the breast or nipple, it should be wiped off before the next feed. Cases of contact dermatitis and anaphylaxis have been reported following topical or oral use of dexpanthenol. (Gulec 2015, Chin 2013, Röckmann 2005)


See below the information of this related product:

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Panthenol since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Panthenol is also known as


Panthenol in other languages or writings:

Group

Panthenol belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Panthenol in its composition:

List of 18 tradenames

Pharmacokinetics

Variable Value Unit
Molecular weight 205 daltons

References

  1. Shanazi M, Farshbaf Khalili A, Kamalifard M, Asghari Jafarabadi M, Masoudin K, Esmaeli F. Comparison of the Effects of Lanolin, Peppermint, and Dexpanthenol Creams on Treatment of Traumatic Nipples in Breastfeeding Mothers. J Caring Sci. 2015 Dec 1;4(4):297-307. Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Gulec AI, Albayrak H, Uslu E, Başkan E, Aliagaoglu C. Pustular irritant contact dermatitis caused by dexpanthenol in a child. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2015 Abstract
  3. Chin MF, Hughes TM, Stone NM. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by panthenol in a child. Contact Dermatitis. 2013 Abstract
  4. Morland-Schultz K, Hill PD. Prevention of and therapies for nipple pain: a systematic review. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2005 Jul-Aug;34(4):428-37. Review. Abstract
  5. Röckmann H, Goerdt S, Bayerl C. Anaphylaxis after dexpanthenol exposure by multivitamin tablets. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2005 Abstract
  6. Kuşcu NK, Koyuncu F, Laçin S. Collagenase treatment of sore nipples. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2002 Abstract

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