PABA for Peyronie’s disease treatment (potassium aminobenzoate) is a member of the vitamin B complex and a natural oral treatment for Peyronie’s disease. It is available by prescription as Potaba and is used to treat fibrosis, a condition in which the skin and tissues become less flexible. This characteristic makes it a potentially effective treatment for Peyronie’s disease as well as for scleroderma, pemphigus, and similar conditions.
Studies of PABA for Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
Several studies support the use of PABA for Peyronie’s disease. For example, an early study involved 21 men with Peyronie’s disease who were treated with PABA. All the men reported a reduction in pain, 82% said they had an improvement in curvature, and 76% had a reduction in plaque size. (Zarafonetis 1959)
A subsequent study involved 32 patients who were treated for at least 3 months with 12 grams of Potaba powder daily and also followed for 8 to 24 months. Discomfort improved in 8 of 18 patients, plaque size declined in 18 of 32 patients, and curvature improved in 18 of 31 patients, with 8 of these patients achieving complete elimination of curvature. (Carson 1997)
Dose and Side Effects of PABA for Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
A suggested dose of PABA is 12 grams per day taken in 4 divided doses. The maximum dose per day is 20 grams. Because the high doses of PABA necessary to get a positive response cause significant gastrointestinal side effects, PABA for Peyronie’s disease often is not recommended as a treatment. Other less common side effects include nausea, reduced appetite, fever, and rash. PABA can also interact with other medications, including some antibiotics.
Carson CC. Potassium para-aminobenzoate for the treatment of Peyronie’s disease: is it effective? Tech Urol 1997; 3(3): 135-39
Zarafonetis CJ, Horrax TM. Treatment of Peyronie’s disease with potassium para-aminobenzoate (potaba). J Urol 1959; 81(6): 770-72