Overview
PABA is taken by mouth for skin conditions including vitiligo, pemphigus, dermatomyositis, morphea, lymphoblastoma cutis, Peyronie's disease, and scleroderma. PABA is also used to treat infertility in women, arthritis, "tired blood" (anemia), rheumatic fever, constipation, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and headaches. It is also used to darken gray hair, prevent hair loss, make skin look younger, and prevent sunburn.
PABA is best known as a sunscreen that is applied to the skin (used topically).
PABA doesn't seem to be taken by mouth as often as it used to be, possibly because some people question its safety and effectiveness.
How does it work ?
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Effective for
Possibly Effective for
- Peyronie's disease. PABA is FDA-approved for use in this skin condition.
Possibly Ineffective for
- Treating a condition that causes hardening or thickening of the skin (scleroderma). Although PABA is FDA-approved for scleroderma, there is only limited evidence that it is effective. Some research studies suggest it might help for some symptoms of scleroderma, but the most convincing evidence shows that it does not help.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Skin condition called dermatomyositis. PABA is FDA approved for this skin condition. However, there is only limited evidence that it is effective.
- Eye infection caused by herpes virus (herpes keratitis). Early research suggests that using a specific PABA eye solution (Actipol) as eye drops can be effective for treating herpes keratitis.
- Patchy hardened skin (Morphea). PABA is FDA approved for use in people with this skin condition. However, there is limited evidence that it is effective.
- Skin condition called pemphigus. PABA is FDA approved for use in people with this skin condition. However, there is limited evidence that it is effective.
- Skin condition called vitiligo. PABA is FDA approved for use in people with this skin condition. However, there is limited evidence that it is effective.
- Arthritis.
- "Tired blood" (anemia).
- Constipation.
- Headaches.
- Preventing hair loss.
- Darkening gray hair.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
PABA is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth appropriately and when applied to the eyes as a solution. PABA can cause skin irritation and might also stain clothing with a yellow color. Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and loss of appetite might sometimes occur.
PABA is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. Taking more than 12 grams per day can cause serious side effects such as liver, kidney, and blood problems.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: PABA is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding. However, there is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking PABA by mouth if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
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's 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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