Aminobenzoic Acid
ATC Code
D02BA01
Aminobenzoic Acid
Definition
An organic acid with UV absorption and antifibrotic properties. When exposed to light, aminobenzoic acid (para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA) absorbs UV light and emits excess energy via a photochemical reaction that may cause damage to DNA. Because DNA defects contribute to skin cancer, aminobenzoic acid is no longer widely used in sunscreen formulations. Aminobenzoic acid may also increase oxygen uptake at the tissue level and may enhance monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity to promote the degradation of serotonin, which in excess, may lead to fibrotic changes.
Also known as Aminobenzoate, AMINOBENZOIC ACID, PABA, para-aminobenzoic acid — per NCIT
Also identified as
- ATC D02BA01 per RXNORM
- NCIT NCIT:C61634 per NCIT
- SCTID 373489001 per RXNORM
- SCTID 39707000 per RXNORM
- UNII TL2TJE8QTX per RXNORM
Indications
| Disease | Relation | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sunburn | may prevent | MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work) |
| Photosensitivity disease | may treat | MEDRT · Public domain (U.S. Government work) |