Health Encyclopedia

Para-aminobenzoic acid

Definition

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

This article discusses reactions due to PABA overdose and allergic response. PABA overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance.

Alternative Names

PABA; Vitamin Bx

Poisonous Ingredient

Para-aminobenzoic acid (also known as 4-aminobenzoic acid)

Where Found

PABA is used in certain sunscreen and skin care products.

It may also naturally occur in the following products:

Brewer's yeast
Liver
Molasses
Mushrooms
Spinach
Whole grains

This list may not include all products that contain PABA.

Symptoms

Coma
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Eye irritation if it touches the eyes
Fever
Liver failure
Nausea
Rash (allergic)
Shortness of breath
Slowed breathing
Stupor
Vomiting

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

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

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, immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Do NOT give water or milk if the patient is having symptoms (such as vomiting, convulsions, or a decreased level of alertness) that make it hard to swallow.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called 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.

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

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. You may receive:

Activated charcoal
Artificial respiration
Fluids by IV
Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)
Medicines for allergic reactions

Expectations (prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, 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.

Review Date:2/27/2008
Reviewed By:Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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