Comprehensive medication guide to Potaba including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$15–$45 copay at Tier 2 or $30–$80 at Tier 3 on most commercial plans; prior authorization may be required for some indications. Medicare Part D coverage varies by plan.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$100–$150 retail for a 30-day supply; as low as $80–$120 with GoodRx or SingleCare discount coupons. Individual 1g bottle prices may range from $34–$60 with discount programs.
Medfinder Findability Score
40/100
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Potaba is the brand name for potassium aminobenzoate (also written as potassium para-aminobenzoate or POTABA), a prescription antifibrotic medication derived from the vitamin B complex. It is the potassium salt of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and has been used for decades to treat conditions characterized by abnormal fibrous tissue formation.
Potaba is prescribed for fibrotic conditions including Peyronie's disease, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis), dermatomyositis, morphea, and pemphigus. Despite being classified by the FDA in the oral nutritional supplement drug class, it is a prescription-only medication that requires a licensed provider to prescribe.
Potaba is available as 500 mg oral capsules and as a powder. The standard adult dose is 12 grams per day divided into four doses of 3 grams each, taken with meals. It is not a controlled substance under DEA scheduling.
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Potaba is believed to exert its antifibrotic effects through several mechanisms. First, it increases oxygen uptake at the tissue level, which may improve cellular metabolism and reduce the abnormal healing signals that drive fibroblast overactivity and collagen accumulation.
Second, Potaba inhibits fibroblast glycosaminoglycan secretion, reducing the chemical scaffolding on which excess collagen builds up in fibrotic tissues. Third, it is thought to increase monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, which breaks down serotonin in local tissues. Since elevated serotonin can stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production, lower local serotonin levels may slow fibrosis progression.
Potaba also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may interrupt the initial inflammatory cascade that triggers fibrosis. Because fibrosis develops slowly, Potaba's effects are gradual and most patients require months of treatment before seeing clinical changes.
500 mg — capsule
Standard oral capsule; 6 capsules = 1 dose (3 grams); 24 capsules per day at full dose
1 g — powder packet
Powder for oral solution; can be mixed into juice or water; useful for patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules
Potaba is not in an active FDA drug shortage as of 2026, but it is a niche, low-volume medication that most major retail pharmacy chains do not stock routinely. Most CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations will tell you they don't carry it. The chronic unavailability stems from the drug's small patient population, its challenging dosing logistics (patients require a large quantity of capsules per month), and declining prescription volumes as clinical guidelines have shifted toward alternatives like Xiaflex for Peyronie's disease.
Independent pharmacies, specialty pharmacies, and compounding pharmacies are generally better sources for Potaba. Patients can also request a special order at most pharmacies with a 2–5 business day lead time. medfinder calls local pharmacies on your behalf and texts you results, eliminating hours of frustrating phone calls.
For patients on long-term Potaba therapy, requesting refills 10–14 days early is strongly recommended to account for potential sourcing delays. Mail-order pharmacies that can source the medication are also worth investigating for 90-day supplies.
Potaba (potassium aminobenzoate) is not a controlled substance, so any licensed prescriber in the United States can write a prescription for it without special DEA registration or authorization. In practice, Potaba is most commonly prescribed by specialists who manage the conditions for which it is indicated:
Urologists — particularly those specializing in men's health or andrology (for Peyronie's disease)
Rheumatologists — for scleroderma, dermatomyositis, and autoimmune connective tissue diseases
Dermatologists — for morphea, linear scleroderma, and pemphigus
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) — for ongoing management after specialist diagnosis
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) — practicing in urology, rheumatology, or dermatology settings
Because Potaba is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed via telehealth appointments in most states. Telehealth urology and men's health services, as well as rheumatology and dermatology telemedicine platforms, can all legally prescribe Potaba for established diagnoses. Initial diagnosis of conditions like Peyronie's disease or scleroderma typically requires an in-person examination, but ongoing management and prescription renewals are often suitable for telehealth visits.
No. Potaba (potassium aminobenzoate) is not a controlled substance under the DEA scheduling system. It does not appear on the Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substance lists and carries none of the special prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications.
This means that any licensed prescriber — including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants — can write a prescription for Potaba without DEA registration or special authorization. The medication can be prescribed via telehealth in most states, and refills do not face the same regulatory limitations that apply to Schedule II drugs like stimulants or opioids.
Most side effects of Potaba are gastrointestinal, related to the high daily dose required. Common side effects include:
Nausea
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Stomach discomfort or bloating
Metallic taste in the mouth
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): shaking, sweating, confusion, weakness — always take with food
Hyperkalemia (high potassium): muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, numbness — especially in patients with kidney disease or on ACE inhibitors
Acute hepatitis (rare): jaundice, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, extreme fatigue
Allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing — call 911 immediately
Unexplained fever
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Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum)
FDA-approved injectable for Peyronie's disease with curvature ≥30°. Strongest evidence base; delivered as 8 injections over ~6 months.
Pentoxifylline
Oral antifibrotic agent used off-label for Peyronie's disease; widely available, inexpensive, with antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Daily 5 mg tadalafil has shown antifibrotic effects in Peyronie's disease and also addresses concurrent erectile dysfunction.
Intralesional verapamil
Calcium channel blocker injected directly into Peyronie's plaques; inhibits fibroblast activity; results are variable across clinical trials.
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Sulfonamide antibiotics (Bactrim, sulfadiazine, sulfisoxazole)
majorPotaba directly antagonizes sulfonamide antibiotic efficacy via pharmacodynamic antagonism. Do not use together.
ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, ramipril)
moderateACE inhibitors elevate potassium; combined with Potaba (a potassium salt) increases hyperkalemia risk. Monitor potassium levels.
Potassium-sparing diuretics (spironolactone, triamterene, amiloride)
moderateCombination increases risk of hyperkalemia. Monitor potassium levels closely during concurrent use.
Tetracycline antibiotics (doxycycline, omadacycline)
moderatePotaba may reduce tetracycline absorption. Separate dosing by at least 2–3 hours.
Loop diuretics (furosemide) and thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide)
minorThese diuretics cause potassium loss, potentially counteracting the potassium contribution of Potaba and creating electrolyte imbalance.
Insulin and oral diabetes medications
moderatePotaba can lower blood sugar; increased hypoglycemia risk in patients on antidiabetic medications. Always take Potaba with food.
Potaba (potassium aminobenzoate) is a niche but long-established antifibrotic medication with a role in managing conditions like Peyronie's disease, scleroderma, morphea, and related fibrotic disorders. While major clinical guidelines don't endorse it as first-line therapy — particularly for Peyronie's disease where Xiaflex has stronger evidence — it continues to be prescribed for patients who may benefit from its disease-stabilizing effects.
The biggest practical challenge with Potaba is not its clinical profile but its availability. Most major retail pharmacies don't stock it, meaning patients need to search independently, request special orders, or work with specialty and compounding pharmacies. For patients on long-term therapy, planning ahead for refills is essential.
If you're struggling to fill your Potaba prescription, medfinder can help. Provide your medication, dosage, and location, and medfinder will contact local pharmacies on your behalf to find which ones can fill your prescription — then text you the results. No hours on hold, no frustrating transfers.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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