Pantogam (hopantenic acid) is a nootropic drug currently used In Russia to treat chronic fatigue and various neurological diseases. The drug has neuroprotective, anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties.
By its chemical structure, hopantenic acid is a derivative of pantothenic acid (Vitamin b5 form) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS). Pantogam works by activating GABA-A, GABA-B, and dopamine D2 receptors and is shown to stimulate the synthesis of acetylcholine.
Indications for use include decreased mental capacity, chronic fatigue, organic brain syndrome and developmental delays in children.
Pantogam Active is a racemic modification of Pantogam. Hopantenic acid has two active Enantiomers, and Pantogam active has a different racemic composition with a higher content of L-enantiomer. Because of the different composition, Pantogam and Pantogam active have slightly different pharmacological effects. A modified version of this drug features more pronounced anxiolytic and anti-amnesic effects.