PABA

What is it?
PABA is an abbreviation for Paraaminobenzoic acid, a member of the vitamin B-complex. It has been used in dermatomyositis, infertility (female), pemphigus, Peyronie's disease, scleroderma, and vitiligo (white patches on skin). It is also used on the skin in sunscreens .

Other names for PABA include: Paraaminobenzoic Acid and Potaba.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:
Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:
Talk with your caregiver about how much PABA you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking PABA. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:
Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking PABA, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You should not take more than 400 milligrams of PABA daily without first consulting your health care professional (1)
• The use of PABA has been associated with liver problems (5)

Side Effects:
Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:
You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Skin rash, anorexia, upset stomach, and fever have been reported with the use of PABA (4)
• Vitiligo (patches of white skin) has been reported with the use of PABA (6)

References:
1. Liniger S (ed): The Natural Pharmacy. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA; 1998
2. Zarafonetis CJD et al: retrospective studies in scleroderma: Effect of potassium para-aminobenzoate on survival. J Clin Epidemiol 1988;41:193-205.
3. Hendler SS: The doctors' vitamin and mineral encyclopedia. Fireside Press, New York, NY;1990.
4. Anon: Physicians' Desk Reference. Med Economics Co Inc, Oradell, NJ; 1986.
5. Kantor GR, Ratz JL: Liver toxicity form potassium paraminobenzoate. (Letter) J AM Acad Dermatol 1985; 13(4):671-672.
6. Hughes CG: Oral PABA and vitiligo. J Am Acad Dermatol 1983;9:770.