PABA (para amino benzoic acid) by G&G Vitamins

EFFECTIVE

• Sunburn. PABA is an FDA-approved sunscreen (266,8952). PABA seems to be effective during sweating, but not when skin is immersed in water (272).

POSSIBLY EFFECTIVE

• Peyronie disease. PABA is FDA-approved for use in this condition. Clinical research shows that taking the specific PABA product (POTABA, Glenwood LLC.) can reduce penile curvature and deterioration (1067,8951,67982,68031).

POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE

• Scleroderma. Although PABA is FDA-approved for scleroderma, as well as morphea, a localized form of scleroderma, evidence supporting its use is limited. Some retrospective studies suggest it might help for some symptoms of scleroderma, but the most convincing evidence shows that it is not beneficial (1071,1073,1074,1075).

INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE

• Herpes keratitis. Preliminary clinical research shows that, in most patients, using a specific PABA 0.007% ophthalmic solution (Actipol), given as eye drops with or without concomitant local injections, can be effective in treating herpes keratitis, a type of corneal eye infection caused by herpes simplex virus. Clinical research suggests this PABA solution is as effective or more effective than acyclovir and more effective than idoxuridine (67957,67963).
• Inflammatory myopathies. PABA is FDA-approved for use in dermatomyositis, a type of inflammatory myopathy, but there is limited evidence to support this use (10).
• Pemphigus. PABA is FDA-approved for use in pemphigus, but there is limited evidence to support this use (10). More evidence is needed to rate PABA for these uses.

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LIKELY SAFE ...when used topically and appropriately. PABA is FDA approved for topical use and there have not been reports of significant toxicity (266,272).

POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used orally and appropriately (10). PABA is an FDA-approved drug, but some potentially serious side effects have been reported (10). ....when applied topically and appropriately to the eye as a 0.007% ophthalmic solution (67957,67963).

POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally in high doses. Doses greater than 12 grams per day have been associated with leukopenia (1061).

CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately (266,272).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used orally and appropriately (10). PABA is an FDA-approved drug for use in children, but serious side effects have been reported (10).

CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used orally in high doses. Doses greater than 220 mg/kg/day have been associated with fatal toxic effects (1061).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when used topically and appropriately (266,272). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of the oral use of PABA during pregnancy and breast-feeding; avoid using.

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General ...Orally, PABA seems to be well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, fever, and rash (1074). Allergic reactions including fever and skin rash have also occurred (1074). In rare cases, hepatotoxicity has been reported at high doses (12-48 grams daily) (1061,1094). High doses of PABA (up to 48 grams per day) might also cause a decrease in white blood count (1061). PABA should be discontinued if adverse effects prevent the patient from eating (10). In one report, up to 25% of patients discontinued PABA due to intolerance of side effects (1074). Topically, PABA can cause contact dermatitis and sometimes paradoxical photosensitivity (272).

Dermatologic ...Topically, PABA can cause contact dermatitis and sometimes paradoxical photosensitivity (272).

Gastrointestinal ...Orally, the most commonly reported side effects of PABA are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia, fever, and rash (1074). PABA should be discontinued if adverse effects prevent the patient from eating (10). In one report, up to 25% of patients discontinued PABA due to intolerance of side effects (1074).

Hematologic ...High dose PABA (up to 48 grams per day) can cause decreased white blood count below 4000 mm3 in approximately 30% of patients (1061).

Hepatic ...Liver toxicity, including fatal hepatitis has been reported in patients taking PABA in high doses (12-48 grams per day) (1061,1094). In one case, 12 grams per day for 2 months caused liver toxicity (1094). Increased liver function tests from PABA have also been noted (1084), and jaundice was reported in one case of treatment with PABA (68049). Despite these reports, a study reviewing the charts of 274 patients with scleroderma who were taking the potassium salt form of PABA as treatment found no evidence of hepatotoxicity (1065).

Immunologic ...Orally, PABA can cause allergic reactions including fever and skin rash (1074).

Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, PABA may cause headaches, which resolve upon discontinuation of treatment (1074).

Other ...Death has been reported in 3 children treated with 24 grams of PABA per day for rheumatic fever or arthritis. At autopsy, all had fatty changes in the liver, kidney, and myocardium (1061). Topical PABA and its derivatives have a tendency to discolor clothing due to a photo-oxidative reaction (68025).

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