Is pantothene same as pantothenic acid?

Yes: Pantothenic acid, also called pantothenate or vitamin b5.

No- related,not same: Pantethine is composed of two molecules of pantothenic acid (vitamin b5) linked by cysteamine bridging groups. It costs a lot more than pantothenic acid. One reason to take it vs. B5 is that pantethine is one of the best ways to lower cholesterol- it lowers LDL about 13%, triglycerides 30% & raises HDL 10%. It also has many other potential health benefits. See comment for more info:.