Evigrade

Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate)

Nootropics (local classification). Russian and Japanese development.

ATC code: N06BX-HOPANTENIC(Hopantenic acid (Pantogam) – local code)

Updated · Methodology

Marketing claims without evidence base

The drug is promoted for these uses outside international guidelines. Each entry below is analyzed against AEMPS, FDA, EMA, Cochrane and major RCTs.

F

ADHD

Not recommended

Pantogam is frequently prescribed in Russian paediatric neurology for ADHD as a «mild and safe nootropic». , , and CADDRA ADHD guidelines do not list the drug. First-line ADHD treatment in international guidelines is psychostimulants (methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine) and behavioural therapy; no GABA-derivative nootropics are included.

ICD-10: F90.0 · ICD-11: 6A05

F

Anxiety and stress in children

Not recommended

For paediatric neurosis-like and tic disorders, pantogam is prescribed in Russia in 1–3 month courses. and AACAP paediatric anxiety and tic guidelines do not list the drug. First-line international guidance is CBT; SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine) in children over 6 are used for confirmed anxiety disorder.

ICD-10: F93 · ICD-11: 6B0Z

F

Memory and concentration enhancement

Not recommended

Hopantenic acid (Pantogam) is an analogue of pantothenic acid with a GABAergic component, developed in the USSR. It is registered in Russia for cognitive impairment in adults and children. The evidence base is limited to in-house Russian studies. There are no independent international clinical studies with endpoints on validated scales (MMSE, MoCA, ADAS-Cog). After voluntary withdrawal from sale in Japan in 1989, the drug is not used outside the post-Soviet region. International clinical guidelines (, Alzheimer's Association) do not include Pantogam. If Pantogam was prescribed to a child or adult for memory, consider seeking a second opinion.

How to read tiers A–F
  • AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
  • BRecommended in selected cases
  • CStudy data contradict each other
  • DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
  • FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit

Mechanism of action

Hopantenic acid is a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric and pantothenic acids. Synthesised in Japan in the 1950s as a «pantothenic acid homologue». The manufacturer claims GABAergic activity and improved cerebral metabolism. In Japan in 1989 the drug was voluntarily withdrawn by the manufacturer after reports of Reye-like syndrome cases and fatal complications. In Russia the drug remains registered as a nootropic. Absent from international guidelines.

Safety

Contraindications

  • Acute severe renal disease
  • First trimester pregnancy
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Phenylketonuria (for aspartame-containing forms)

Serious adverse effects

  • Reye-like syndrome cases were described in Japan in the 1980s
  • Metabolic acidosis in children (rare)

Common adverse effects

  • Allergic reactions
  • Rhinitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Agitation, sleep disturbance
  • Daytime drowsiness

Pregnancy: can you take Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate)?

Contraindicated in the first trimester; cautious use in the second and third.

Breastfeeding: can you take Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate)?

Use during breastfeeding is restricted.

Reference information, not a clinical decision. Discuss feeding pauses or changes with your physician or an IBCLC.

Practical notes

Russian practice note

Pantogam is supplied as 250 mg and 500 mg tablets and as a 10% paediatric syrup. In Japan the drug was voluntarily withdrawn in 1989 after a cluster of Reye-like syndrome cases and fatal adverse events. In Russia the drug remains one of the most frequent prescriptions in paediatric outpatient neurology. Foreign biohackers source the drug as a «Russian nootropic» through grey channels.

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Frequently asked

What is Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) used for?

Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Anxiety and stress in children (evidence tier F), ADHD (evidence tier F), Memory and concentration enhancement (evidence tier F). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.

What are the side effects of Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate)?

Common side effects of Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) (≥ 1 in 100): Allergic reactions, Rhinitis, Conjunctivitis, Agitation, sleep disturbance, Daytime drowsiness. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.

Is Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) safe during pregnancy?

Contraindicated in the first trimester; cautious use in the second and third.

Is Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) compatible with breastfeeding?

Use during breastfeeding is restricted.

Who should not take Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate)?

Hopantenic acid (calcium hopantenate) is contraindicated in: Acute severe renal disease; First trimester pregnancy; Hypersensitivity; Phenylketonuria (for aspartame-containing forms). Full list in the Safety section.

Other drugs in this group

Huperzine A (Huperzia serrata), Hypericum perforatum, L-tryptophan, Memantine, Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester), Saffron (Crocus sativus stigma extract), 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), Cortexin (bovine brain cortex polypeptides)