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Para-aminobenzoic acid

Definition

Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a natural substance. It is often used in sunscreen products. PABA is sometimes called vitamin Bx, but it is not a true vitamin.

This article discusses reactions to PABA, such as overdose and allergic response. PABA overdose occurs when someone uses more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance. This can be by accident or on purpose.

Increased outdoor leisure time, decreased clothing coverage, a diminishing stratospheric ozone layer, and the rise in popularity of indoor tanning have added up to a significant increase in ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure in the last century.

When used appropriately, PABA-containing products can reduce the incidence of several types of skin cancers by reducing the amount of harmful radiation which can act upon the skin.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

PABA; Vitamin Bx

Poisonous Ingredient

Para-aminobenzoic acid (also known as 4-aminobenzoic acid) can be harmful in large amounts.

Where Found

PABA is used in certain sunscreen and skin-care products.

It may also naturally occur in these foods:

  • Brewer's yeast
  • Liver
  • Molasses
  • Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Whole grains

Other products may also contain PABA.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to PABA or PABA overdose include:

Note: Most PABA reactions are due to allergic reactions, not overdoses.

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. Do not make a person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to. If the chemical is on the skin or in the eyes, flush with lots of water for at least 15 minutes.

If the chemical was swallowed, give the person water or milk right away, unless a provider tells you not to. Do not give anything to drink if the person has symptoms that make it hard to swallow. These include vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
  • Time it was swallowed or used on the skin
  • Amount swallowed or used on the skin

Poison Control

Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Treatment may include:

  • Activated charcoal by mouth or tube through the nose into the stomach
  • Breathing support, including oxygen, tube through the mouth into the throat, and breathing machine
  • Fluids through a vein (by IV)
  • Medicine to treat symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.

Swallowing sunscreen products containing PABA rarely causes symptoms, except in very large doses. Some people may be allergic to PABA.

References

Aronson JK. Sunscreens. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:603-604.

Glaser DA, Prodanovic E. Sunscreens. In: Draelos ZD, Dover JS, Alam M, eds. Cosmeceuticals: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 17.

Last reviewed July 5, 2021 by Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Emeritus, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team..

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