Para-aminobenzoic acid poisoning

Definition

This poisoning is from an overdose of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA).

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Para-aminobenzoic acid, also called vitamin Bx. Vitamin Bx is not considered a true vitamin.

Where Found

• Some sunscreen products
• Other skin care products
• Whole grains
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Liver
• Brewer's yeast
• Molasses

This list may not be all inclusive

Symptoms

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

• Respiratory
  • Slowed breathing (in extremely high doses)
  • Shortness of breath (more common in allergic reactions)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • Eye irritation may occur after eye exposure
• Skin
  • Rash (allergic)
• Gastrointestinal
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• Nervous system (all effects are with extremely high doses)
  • Dizziness
  • Stupor
  • Coma
  • Fever

Home Treatment

If you suspect that someone might be having an allergic reaction to PABA or may have been exposed to a toxic dose of PABA, call Poison Control and seek medical care immediately. Irrigate or wash any skin which may have been exposed to PABA. Flush eyes with large amounts of water for eye exposure. Do not induce vomiting.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• The time it was swallowed
• The 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 U.S. 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

The patient may receive some or all of the following, depending on the type of reaction or exposure:

• IV Fluids
• Symptom treatment
• Activated charcoal
• A nasogastric (NG) tube
• Gastric lavage to empty the stomach
• Artificial respiration 
• Endoscopy
• Skin debridement (surgical removal of burned skin)
• Diphenhydramine for allergic reactions
• Prednisone for allergic reactions

Expectations (prognosis)

Ingestion of sunscreen products containing PABA rarely causes symptoms, except in very large doses. Some patients may be allergic to PABA.