Overview

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It is also found in several foods including grains, eggs, milk, and meat.

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 ?

PABA is used as a sunscreen because it can block ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the skin.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Effective for

  • Sunburn. PABA is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a sunscreen. PABA seems to work even when a person is sweating, but not when the skin is under water, such as when swimming.

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.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of PABA for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: PABA is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken appropriately. PABA can cause skin irritation and might also stain clothing with a yellow color. It might cause nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take PABA in high doses. Taking more than 12 grams per day can cause serious side effects such as liver, kidney, and blood problems.

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

When taken by mouth: PABA is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken appropriately. PABA can cause skin irritation and might also stain clothing with a yellow color. It might cause nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take PABA in high doses. Taking more than 12 grams per day can cause serious side effects such as liver, kidney, and blood problems.

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. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: PABA is LIKELY SAFE when applied to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PABA is safe to take by mouth when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

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 ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • 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.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Cortisone 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.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

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.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For sunburn: Sunscreens with 1% to 15% PABA have been used.
CHILDREN

APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
  • For sunburn: Sunscreens with 1% to 15% PABA have been used.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.