Know What to Look Out for When Taking PABA

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PABA has been seen to have a variety of benefits, but a few people are aware of PABA side effects they need to watch out for. Below are some of the reported PABA side effects.

PABA Sunscreen

PABA-based sunscreens were the first ever widely marketed sunscreens. PABA has the ability to successfully filter out ultraviolet rays from the sun. However, through the years it was found to cause photo-allergic reactions to many people, numbering 1% to 2% of the population such that there has been a PABA sunscreen ban in many countries. PABA sunscreen allergic side effects include acne, dark red spots, burning and itching, and painful, pus-filled blisters on follicles. However, PABA sunscreens are still deemed safe to use for those who do not have any form of PABA allergies.

PABA Oral Side Effects

PABA has been used to treat several skin disorders like scleroderma, dermatomyositis, Peyronie's disease and so on. Another form of PABA known as PABA Oral or Potassium Para-aminobenzoate (Potaba) has been seen to increase oxygen utilization in the skin.

However, PABA Oral has several reported side effects, the most common of which are relatively mild and includes a few instances of upset stomach, loss of appetite and nausea. This medication rarely causes severe side effects but there is a pending risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if the individual taking the drug does not consume enough food for several days.

Serious allergies are very rare but allergic reactions which include rash, swelling, itching, severe dizziness and breathing problems have been reported in a few patients.

Clomid and PABA

Patients who take fertility medications such as Clomid are often recommended to take PABA vitamins as they are believed to increase the capability of estrogen to facilitate fertility, thereby increasing the chances of an infertile woman to get pregnant. However, allergic reactions have been reported in some women who have allergies to para-aminobenzoic acid based compounds.

PABA Safety in B Vitamins

PABA is best taken with all the other B vitamins, but PABA vitamins can also be taken on its own if prescribed. However, dosages exceeding 400 mg daily should be consulted with the physician first. Note that some B vitamin complex and multivitamin formula can contain PABA, so don't forget to include this on your daily PABA intake count.

Overdosage and Interactions

Dosages that exceed 8 grams daily can result to low blood sugar, skin irritations and liver damage. Extremely large dosages of more than 20 grams are potentially fatal in small children.

PABA has also been seen to interfere with the effectivity of certain antibiotics which belong to the sulfa drug category. Thus, PABA supplements should not be taken while these medications are being used. It is always best to consult your doctor before taking PABA, and any dietary supplements for that matter.

Despite its popularity, the side effects of para-aminobenzoic acid based products are undeniable. PABA side effects can range from mild conditions to sever ones so that it is always best to be on the lookout, whether you are taking this drug by choice or by prescription.

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