Uses

This medication is used to treat certain skin disorders (such as 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) Tablet

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 as directed by your doctor, usually 4 to 6 times daily.

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.

Side Effects

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

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor 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 you have any serious side effects, including: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, 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, get medical help right away 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.

Precautions

Before taking potassium para-aminobenzoate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), kidney disease.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood sugar. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of low blood sugar, including confusion, headache, or trouble concentrating. (See also Side Effects section.)

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are: aminosalicylates, sulfa drugs (such as sulfisoxazole).

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as white blood cell counts) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 2 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage Storage

Store the tablets, capsules, or unmixed powder between 46-59 degrees F (8-15 degrees C) away from light and moisture. If the powder form is not taken immediately after mixing, refrigerate the mixture in a container that is resistant to light (such as in an amber glass container, metal container, plastic container that you cannot see through). Do not freeze. Discard any unused mixture after 1 week. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.