Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Potaba: 500 mg
Packet, Oral:
Generic: 2 g (50 ea)
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
P-aminobenzoate is a member of the vitamin B complex family. It may have an antifibrotic effect due to increased oxygen uptake at the tissue level.
Use: Labeled Indications
Presently, all indications are classified by the FDA as “possibly effective.”
Treatment of scleroderma, dermatomyositis, morphea, linear scleroderma, pemphigus, Peyronie's disease
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to potassium p-aminobenzoate or any component of the formulation; concurrent use of sulfonamides
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Oral: Average dose: 12 g/day in 4-6 divided doses
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
Oral: 1 g/10 pounds of weight/day; administer in divided doses
Administration
All forms should be administered after meals or with a snack.
Capsule: Take with a glass of water.
Dietary Considerations
Take with food to avoid stomach upset.
Drug Interactions
Sulfonamide Antibiotics: Potassium P-Aminobenzoate may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sulfonamide Antibiotics. Avoid combination
Adverse Reactions
Frequency not defined.
Dermatologic: Skin rash
Gastrointestinal: Anorexia, nausea
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction
Miscellaneous: Fever
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Anorexia: Interrupt therapy if anorexia occurs; may reinstitute once patient improves.
- Nausea: Interrupt therapy if nausea occurs; may reinstitute once patient improves.
Disease-related concerns:
- Diabetes: Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of hypoglycemia.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Considerations
Safety for use in pregnancy has not been established.
Patient Education
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Have patient report immediately to prescriber lack of appetite or nausea (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience, and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.
