Paba

This medication is used to treat certain skin disorders (e.g., dermatomyositis, scleroderma, Peyronie's disease). It helps make your skin more flexible and softens plaques. Potassium para-aminobenzoate is thought to work by increasing the use of oxygen in the skin.

How to use PABA (potassium)

Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 4 to 6 times daily or as directed by your doctor.

If you are using the tablet form, first crush the prescribed number of tablets and dissolve in a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of cold water or juice. Stir well and drink the entire mixture right away.

If you are using capsules, take your prescribed dose with a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of water, juice, or milk to lessen stomach upset.

If you are using the powder in packet form, mix your dose in a full glass (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) of cold water or citrus juice. Stir well to dissolve, and drink the entire mixture right away. If you use water to prepare the mixture, you may also drink a citrus or carbonated beverage after taking each dose to wash away the taste of the medication.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It may take 2 months or more before you notice an improvement in symptoms.

Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: aminosalicylates, sulfa drugs (e.g., sulfisoxazole).

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Upset stomach, nausea, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., persistent sore throat, fever).

This medication can rarely cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The risk for low blood sugar increases if you do not consume enough calories from food for several days. Symptoms include cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, fast heartbeat, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, and hunger. If these symptoms occur, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction right away. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.