Overview
PABA is taken for a disease that causes curved, painful erections (Peyronie disease), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes skinblisters (pemphigus), hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma), and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
PABA is best known as a sunscreen that is applied to the skin.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Effective for
Possibly Effective for
- Peyronie disease. PABA is FDA-approved for use in this condition.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Hardening of skin and connective tissue (scleroderma). Although PABA is FDA-approved for scleroderma, there is only limited evidence that it is effective. Not all research has shown benefit.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Infection of the eye caused by herpes virus (herpes keratitis). Early research suggests that using a specific PABA eye solution (Actipol) as eye drops can treat this condition.
- Conditions involving long-term muscle inflammation (swelling) and weakness (inflammatory myopathies). PABA is approved by the FDA for this skin condition. But there is only limited evidence that it is effective.
- A rare autoimmune disorder that causes skin blisters (pemphigus). PABA is approved by the FDA for this skin condition. But there is only limited evidence that it is effective.
- A skin disorder that causes white patches to develop on the skin (vitiligo).
- Arthritis.
- Constipation.
- Headaches.
- Preventing hair loss.
- Darkening gray hair.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: PABA is LIKELY SAFE for most people when applied directly to the skin. There haven't been any reports of serious harm. But there have been reports that PABA increases the risk for sunburn in some people, even though it usually works as a sunscreen.
When applied into the eye: PABA is POSSIBLY SAFE when a solution is used as an eye drop in the eyes.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Children: When applied directly to the skin, PABA is LIKELY SAFE for children. PABA is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when taken by mouth in doses of 220 mg/kg daily or less. PABA is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in higher doses.
Kidney disease: PABA might build up in the kidneys making kidney disease worse. Do not use it if you have kidney problems.
Interactions ?
Antibiotics (Sulfonamide antibiotics) interacts with PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (PABA)
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics called sulfonamides.
Some of these antibiotics include sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra).Dapsone (Avlosulfon) interacts with PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (PABA)
Dapsone (Avlosulfon) is used as an antibiotic. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) might decrease the effectiveness of dapsone (Avlosulfon) for treating infections.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Cortisone (Cortisone Acetate) interacts with PARA-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (PABA)
The body breaks down cortisone to get rid of it. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) might decrease how quickly the body breaks down cortisone. Taking PABA by mouth and getting a cortisone shot might increase the effects and side effects of cortisone.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For Peyronie disease: A specific PABA product (POTABA, Glenwood LLC.) 12 grams daily in four divided doses with meals for 8-24 months has been used.
- For sunburn: Sunscreens with 1% to 15% PABA have been used.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For sunburn: Sunscreens with 1% to 15% PABA have been used.
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