What are the main medicinal uses of boric acid. How does boric acid work in the body. What are the potential side effects and risks of using boric acid. Is boric acid safe for topical and internal use. How is boric acid absorbed and eliminated by the body. What precautions should be taken when using boric acid medicinally.

What is Boric Acid and How Does it Work?

Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron with the chemical formula H3BO3. It’s a versatile compound used in various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. But how does it function in the body?

Boric acid exhibits minimal bacteriostatic and antifungal activities, particularly at high concentrations over prolonged exposures. Its mechanism of action involves:

• Inhibiting biofilm formation of Candida albicans
• Preventing hyphal transformation of Candida albicans
• Arresting fungal growth

These effects make boric acid potentially useful for treating certain infections, though its exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

Medical Applications of Boric Acid: From Skin to Vaginal Health

While boric acid doesn’t have FDA- or EMA-approved therapeutic indications on its own, it’s used in various medical contexts. What are some common medical applications of boric acid?

• Treatment of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis
• Management of acne
• Addressing fungal skin infections
• Alleviating eye discomfort and asthenopia
• Use in skin disinfection products
• Inclusion in ocular surface irrigation therapies

Boric acid is often found as an additive in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, astringents, and eyewashes. Its mild antimicrobial properties make it useful in these applications.

Absorption and Distribution: How Boric Acid Moves Through the Body

Understanding how boric acid is absorbed and distributed in the body is crucial for its safe and effective use. How is boric acid absorbed?

Boric acid is well absorbed from:

• The gastrointestinal tract
• Open wounds
• Serous cavities

However, it shows limited absorption through intact skin. After absorption, boric acid is distributed throughout the body. The volume of distribution ranges from 0.17 to 0.5 L/kg in humans, with large amounts localized in the brain, liver, and kidney.

Interestingly, following intraperitoneal injection in mice, peak concentration was reached in about 1.0-1.5 hours in the brain, while other tissues showed peak levels at around 0.5 hours.

Metabolism and Elimination: The Journey of Boric Acid in the Body

Once boric acid enters the body, how is it processed and eliminated? Unlike many substances, boric acid doesn’t undergo significant metabolism in the body. Instead, it’s primarily eliminated in its unchanged form.

The main route of elimination for boric acid is through the kidneys. Over 90% of the total administered dose is rapidly excreted in urine as unchanged boric acid. Small amounts are also excreted into:

• Sweat
• Saliva
• Feces

The elimination half-life of boric acid ranges from 13 to 24 hours in human cases of poisoning. A case report of acute boric acid poisoning following oral ingestion of 21 g of boric acid showed a total body clearance of 0.99 L/h before hemodialysis.

Potential Side Effects and Toxicity of Boric Acid

While boric acid has various beneficial applications, it’s crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and toxicity. What are the risks associated with boric acid exposure?

The acute oral LD50 (median lethal dose) for boric acid in rats is 2660 mg/kg. In humans, toxicity can occur from multiple exposures over several days and may involve:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, hematemesis, and blue-green discoloration of feces and vomit
• Dermal effects: Intense generalized erythroderma
• Central nervous system impacts
• Renal manifestations

Local tissue injury from boric acid exposure is likely due to its caustic effects. In cases of mild to moderate toxicity, supportive care is typically sufficient. However, severe toxicity may require dialysis in addition to supportive treatment.

Safety Considerations and Precautions When Using Boric Acid

Given the potential for toxicity, what precautions should be taken when using boric acid medicinally?

• Always follow recommended dosages and application methods
• Avoid using on broken or irritated skin
• Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
• Do not ingest boric acid orally unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare provider
• Store safely out of reach of children and pets
• Discontinue use and seek medical attention if adverse reactions occur

It’s important to note that while boric acid has many uses, it should be handled with care due to its potential for toxicity. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using boric acid for medicinal purposes, especially for internal use or prolonged application.

Interactions and Contraindications: When to Avoid Boric Acid

Are there specific situations where boric acid should be avoided? While the available information on drug interactions with boric acid is limited, there are some general contraindications to consider:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Boric acid should be avoided due to potential risks to the fetus or infant
• Open wounds or broken skin: Avoid applying boric acid to these areas due to increased absorption and potential for irritation
• Kidney problems: Individuals with impaired renal function may have difficulty eliminating boric acid and should use caution
• Known hypersensitivity: Those with a known allergy or sensitivity to boric acid should avoid its use

As always, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using boric acid, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Potential Drug Interactions

While specific drug interactions with boric acid are not well-documented, it’s always wise to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and topical products you’re using. This can help prevent potential interactions and ensure safe use of boric acid alongside other treatments.

Future Research and Potential Applications of Boric Acid

What does the future hold for boric acid in medicine? While current applications are primarily focused on topical and vaginal use, ongoing research may uncover new potential uses for this compound. Areas of interest might include:

• Enhanced formulations for improved efficacy in treating fungal infections
• Exploration of boric acid’s potential in wound healing
• Investigation of its role in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Development of controlled-release formulations for prolonged antimicrobial effects

As our understanding of boric acid’s mechanisms of action grows, so too may its range of medical applications. However, rigorous clinical trials and safety assessments will be necessary before any new uses can be approved.

The Role of Boric Acid in Integrative Medicine

How might boric acid fit into the broader landscape of integrative medicine? As a naturally occurring compound with mild antimicrobial properties, boric acid could potentially play a role in complementary approaches to health and wellness. However, it’s crucial to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe or effective. Any use of boric acid in integrative medicine should be evidence-based and supervised by qualified healthcare professionals.

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Production of Boric Acid

As we consider the medical uses of boric acid, it’s also important to examine its environmental impact and production methods. How can we ensure sustainable and responsible use of this compound?

Boric acid occurs naturally in some volcanic spring waters and fruit, but commercial production often involves mining boron-containing minerals. Sustainable practices in boric acid production might include:

• Implementing efficient mining and extraction techniques to minimize environmental disruption
• Exploring recycling methods for boron compounds in industrial processes
• Investigating alternative sources of boron, such as extraction from seawater
• Developing green chemistry approaches to boric acid synthesis

Responsible use of boric acid in medicine should consider not only its efficacy and safety for patients but also its broader impact on the environment and natural resources.

Regulatory Considerations for Boric Acid in Medicine

How is boric acid regulated for medical use? While boric acid is used in various over-the-counter products, its use as a drug ingredient is subject to regulatory oversight. In the United States, for example, the FDA regulates products containing boric acid based on their intended use and claims.

For pharmaceutical applications, manufacturers must demonstrate the safety and efficacy of boric acid-containing products through appropriate clinical studies. This ensures that medicinal uses of boric acid are supported by scientific evidence and meet necessary quality standards.

Patient Education: Proper Use and Handling of Boric Acid Products

Given the potential risks associated with boric acid, how can patients be educated on its proper use and handling? Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring patients understand how to use boric acid products safely. Key points for patient education include:

• Following dosage instructions carefully
• Proper storage and handling to prevent accidental ingestion
• Recognizing signs of adverse reactions or toxicity
• Understanding when to seek medical attention
• Awareness of potential interactions with other medications or supplements

Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for the safe and effective use of boric acid in medical applications.

The Importance of Quality Control in Boric Acid Products

How can consumers ensure they’re using high-quality boric acid products? When purchasing boric acid for medicinal use, it’s important to choose products from reputable manufacturers that adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP). Look for products that have been tested for purity and are free from contaminants.

For prescription products containing boric acid, always obtain them from licensed pharmacies and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Over-the-counter products should be purchased from trusted retailers and used as directed on the label.

Comparing Boric Acid to Other Antimicrobial Agents

How does boric acid compare to other commonly used antimicrobial agents? While boric acid has its unique properties and applications, it’s important to understand its place among other treatment options. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Antibiotics: Generally more potent against bacteria, but may lead to resistance with overuse
• Antifungal azoles: Often used for fungal infections, including vaginal yeast infections
• Tea tree oil: A natural antimicrobial, but can cause skin irritation in some people
• Hydrogen peroxide: A broad-spectrum antimicrobial, but can be harsh on tissues

Boric acid’s mild antimicrobial properties and relatively low risk of resistance make it a valuable option in certain situations, particularly for recurrent vaginal infections. However, it’s not always the most appropriate first-line treatment and should be used under medical guidance.

Combination Therapies Involving Boric Acid

Can boric acid be used in combination with other treatments? In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend using boric acid alongside other therapies for enhanced effectiveness. For example, in treating recurrent vaginal yeast infections, a combination approach might involve:

• Initial treatment with an antifungal medication
• Followed by maintenance therapy with boric acid suppositories
• Probiotics to support vaginal health

Such combination approaches can help manage difficult-to-treat conditions while minimizing the risk of developing resistance to any single treatment. However, combination therapies should always be guided by a healthcare professional to ensure safety and appropriateness for the individual patient.

Boric acid: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action

Generic Name

Boric acid

DrugBank Accession Number

DB11326

Background

Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a weak monobasic Lewis acid of boron with the chemical formula h4BO3. Boric acid is typically utilized in industrial processing and manufacturing, but is also used as an additive in pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, lotions, soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, astringents, and eyewashes ⁴. It is known to exhibit some antibacterial activity against infections such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis ¹.

Type

Small Molecule

Groups

Approved

Structure

Weight

Average: 61.833
Monoisotopic: 62.017524428

Chemical Formula

BH₃O₃

Synonyms

• ácido bórico
• boracic acid
• Boric acid
• hydrogen borate
• orthoboric acid

External IDs

• E-284
• INS NO. 284
• INS-284
• NSC-81726

Indication

No FDA- or EMA-approved therapeutic indications on its own.

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Associated Conditions

• Acne
• Asthenopia
• Fungal skin infection
• Ocular Irritation
• Eye discomfort

Associated Therapies

• Skin disinfection
• Irrigation of the ocular surface therapy

Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings

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Pharmacodynamics

Boric acid exhibits minimal bacteriostatic and antifungal activities ⁴. Boric acid is likely to mediate antifungal actions at high concentrations over prolonged exposures ³.

Mechanism of action

Information regarding the mechanism of action of boric acid in mediating its antibacterial or antifungal actions is limited. Boric acid inhibits biofilm formation and hyphal transformation of Candida albicans, which are critical virulence factors ³. In addition, arrest of fungal growth was observed with the treatment of boric acid ³.

Absorption

Boric acid is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, open wounds, and serous cavities but displays limited absorption in intact skin ⁴. Following intraperitoneal injection in mice, the peak concentration was reached in about 1. 0-1.5 hr in the brain whereas the value was 0.5 hr in other tissues ⁴.

Volume of distribution

Volume of distribution ranges from 0.17 to 0.5 L/kg in humans, where large amounts of boric acid are localized in brain, liver, and kidney ⁴.

Protein binding

No protein binding reported.

Metabolism

No metabolic pathways reported.

Route of elimination

Regardless the route of administration, boric acid predominantly undergoes rapid renal excretion of >90% of total administered dose as unchanged form. Small amounts are also excreted into sweat, saliva, and feces. Following administration as ointment, urinary excretion of boric acid accounted for only 1% of the administered dose ⁴.

Half-life

According to human cases of poisoning, the elimination half-life of boric acid ranges from 13 to 24 hours ^2,4.

Clearance

A case report of acute boric acid poisoning following oral ingestion of 21 g of boric acid presents the total body clearance of 0. 99 L/h before hemodialysis ².

Adverse Effects

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Toxicity

Acute oral LD50 is 2660 mg/kg in rat ^MSDS. Individuals are likely to be exposed to boric acid from industrial manufacturing or processing. Local tissue injury from boric acid exposure is likely due to caustic effects. Systemic effects from boric acid poisoning usually occur from multiple exposures over a period of days and involve gastrointestinal, dermal, CNS, and renal manifestations. Gastrointestinal toxicity include persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, epigastric pain, hematemesis, and blue-green discoloration of the feces and vomit ⁴. Following the onset of GI symptoms, a characteristic intense generalized erythroderma follows ⁴. Management of mild to moderate toxicity should be supportive. In case of severe toxicity, dialysis may be required in addition to supportive treatment.

Pathways

Not Available

Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs

Not Available

Drug Interactions

This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

Not Available

Food Interactions

No interactions found.

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Over the Counter Products

Name	Dosage	Strength	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Acide Borique	Powder		Topical	Produits Marc O (1987) Inc., Division Of Technilab Inc.	1951-12-31	2000-08-24	Canada
Boracic Acid Pwr	Powder		Topical	Stanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc.	1972-12-31	2000-07-27	Canada
Boric Acid	Powder, for solution		Topical	Dawson Traders Ltd.	1985-12-31	2006-03-22	Canada
Boric Acid Pwr 100%	Powder	100 %	Nasal; Ophthalmic; Topical	Regal Pharms, Division Of Bradcan Corporation	1978-12-31	1998-07-29	Canada
Boric Acid Solution 2. 5%	Lotion	2.5 %	Ophthalmic	Everest Pharmaceuticals Ltd.	1982-12-31	1999-07-14	Canada
Eye Wash 2.5%	Liquid	2.5 %	Ophthalmic	Canadian Custom Packaging Company	1983-12-31	2009-07-06	Canada
Eyewash	Liquid	1.2 %	Ophthalmic	Rivex Ophthalmics Inc.	1997-08-05	2000-08-03	Canada
Gynox-soft	Emulsion	7 mg/100mL	Topical	Spai Sons Pharmaceutical International Cosmetics	2012-06-30	Not applicable	US
R.O.-eyewash	Liquid	1.2 %	Ophthalmic	Richmond Pharmaceuticals Inc.	1992-12-31	1997-08-11	Canada
See Clean-One Eye Drops	Liquid	21.644 mg/14mL	Ophthalmic	Cho-A Pharm.Co.,Ltd.	2017-12-29	Not applicable	US

Mixture Products

json?group=mixtures” data-total=”34″>

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
British Army Foot Pwr	Boric acid (6 mg / 100 mg) + Formaldehyde (.75 mg / 100 mg) + Salicylic acid (3 mg / 100 mg) + Zinc oxide (6 mg / 100 mg)	Powder	Topical	Regal Pharms, Division Of Bradcan Corporation	1980-12-31	2001-07-11	Canada
CASTELLANI’S PAINT (STAINLESS)	Boric acid (0.8 % w/w) + Phenol (4 % w/w) + Resorcinol (8 % w/w)	Liquid	Topical	ICM PHARMA PTE. LTD.	1989-06-15	Not applicable	Singapore
Collyre Hygienique Soker	Boric acid (11.1 mg / mL) + Sodium borate (1.89 mg / mL)	Liquid	Ophthalmic	Produits Francais Labs Inc.	1978-12-31	1997-05-30	Canada
DERIVERIN MERHEM, 25 G	Boric acid (1. 25 g/25g) + Aluminum hydroxide (2.5 g/25g) + Balsam of Peru (1.25 g/25g) + Zinc oxide (1.25 g/25g)	Ointment	Topical	ADEKA İLAÇ SAN. VE TİC. A.Ş.	2020-08-14	Not applicable	Turkey
Eye Eze	Boric acid (1.11 %) + Sodium borate (.18 %)	Liquid	Ophthalmic	Pharmavite Laboratories (1987) Inc.	1958-12-31	2006-07-27	Canada
EYE GLO PLUS EYE DROPS	Boric acid (1.3 %) + Sodium borate (0.3 %) + Witch hazel (5 %)	Solution / drops	Ophthalmic	Duopharma Marketing Sdn. Bhd.	2020-09-08	2021-12-12	Malaysia
EYE GLO REGULAR EYE DROPS	Boric acid (1 %) + Sodium borate (0.25 %)	Solution / drops	Ophthalmic	Duopharma Marketing Sdn. Bhd.	2020-09-08	2021-12-12	Malaysia
Hemorro-dol Sup	Boric acid (226.7 mg) + Balsam of Peru (22. 6 mg) + Belladonna (11.25 mg) + Benzocaine (50 mg) + Bismuth subcarbonate (86.4 mg) + Bismuth subnitrate (37.8 mg) + Ephedrine sulfate (2.5 mg) + Zinc oxide (226.7 mg)	Suppository	Rectal	Produits Francais Labs Inc.	1981-12-31	1997-05-30	Canada
ICEKING Skin Expert Anti-onychomycosis Gel	Boric acid (0.2 g/5g) + Acetic acid (2 g/5g)	Gel	Cutaneous; Infiltration	Shanghai Iceking Biotechnology Co.,Ltd.	2018-09-15	Not applicable	US
Occu-cal Drops	Boric acid (11.16 mg / mL) + Phenylephrine hydrochloride (.2 mg / mL) + Sodium borate (1.9 mg / mL)	Solution / drops	Ophthalmic	Produits Francais Labs Inc.	1981-12-31	1997-05-30	Canada

Unapproved/Other Products

Name	Ingredients	Dosage	Route	Labeller	Marketing Start	Marketing End	Region	Image
Gynox-soft	Boric acid (7 mg/100mL)	Emulsion	Topical	Spai Sons Pharmaceutical International Cosmetics	2012-06-30	Not applicable	US
Recal D	Boric acid (250 ug/1) + Calcium carbonate (1342 mg/1) + Cholecalciferol (300 [iU]/1) + Cyanocobalamin (125 ug/1) + Folic acid (1 mg/1) + Magnesium oxide (50 mg/1) + Pyridoxine hydrochloride (10 mg/1)	Wafer	Oral	River’s Edge Pharmaceuticals, LLC	2009-01-14	2012-10-31	US
See Clean-One Eye Drops	Boric acid (21. 644 mg/14mL)	Liquid	Ophthalmic	Cho-A Pharm.Co.,Ltd.	2017-12-29	Not applicable	US
Sha-lem	Boric acid (0.95 g/30mL) + Bismuth subcarbonate (1.89 g/30mL) + Oleic Acid (14.5 g/30mL) + Palmitic Acid (7.25 g/30mL) + Stearic acid (7.25 g/30mL)	Ointment	Topical	Shalem Products, Inc.	1992-05-08	Not applicable	US

ATC Codes

S02AA03 — Boric acid

• S02AA — Antiinfectives
• S02A — ANTIINFECTIVES
• S02 — OTOLOGICALS
• S — SENSORY ORGANS

Drug Categories

• Acids
• Acids, Noncarboxylic
• Agrochemicals
• Anions
• Anti-Infective Agents
• Boric Acids
• Boron Compounds
• Compounds used in a research, industrial, or household setting
• Electrolytes
• Insecticides
• Ions
• Otologicals
• Pesticides
• Sensory Organs
• Toxic Actions

Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire

Description

This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as miscellaneous borates. These are inorganic compounds in which the largest metallic oxoanion is borate, to which either no atom or a non metal atom is bonded.

Kingdom

Inorganic compounds

Super Class

Mixed metal/non-metal compounds

Class

Miscellaneous mixed metal/non-metals

Sub Class

Miscellaneous metallic oxoanionic compounds

Direct Parent

Miscellaneous borates

Alternative Parents

Metalloid salts / Inorganic salts

Substituents

Borate / Inorganic metalloid salt / Inorganic salt

Molecular Framework

Not Available

External Descriptors

boric acids (CHEBI:33118) / an anion (BORATE)

Affected organisms

Not Available

UNII

R57ZHV85D4

CAS number

10043-35-3

InChI Key

KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

InChI

InChI=1S/Bh4O3/c2-1(3)4/h3-4H

IUPAC Name

boric acid

SMILES

OB(O)O

General References

1. Iavazzo C, Gkegkes ID, Zarkada IM, Falagas ME: Boric acid for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis: the clinical evidence. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011 Aug;20(8):1245-55. doi: 10.1089/jwh.2010.2708. Epub 2011 Jul 20. [Article]
2. Teshima D, Morishita K, Ueda Y, Futagami K, Higuchi S, Komoda T, Nanishi F, Taniyama T, Yoshitake J, Aoyama T: Clinical management of boric acid ingestion: pharmacokinetic assessment of efficacy of hemodialysis for treatment of acute boric acid poisoning. J Pharmacobiodyn. 1992 Jun;15(6):287-94. [Article]
3. De Seta F, Schmidt M, Vu B, Essmann M, Larsen B: Antifungal mechanisms supporting boric acid therapy of Candida vaginitis. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2009 Feb;63(2):325-36. doi: 10.1093/jac/dkn486. Epub 2008 Dec 4. [Article]
4. BORIC ACID – National Library of Medicine HSDB Database- Toxnet – NIH [Link]
5. Boric Acid – National Toxicology Program – NIH [Link]

External Links

Human Metabolome Database

HMDB0035731

KEGG Compound

C12486

PubChem Compound

7628

PubChem Substance

347827967

ChemSpider

7346

BindingDB

39817

RxNav

1700

ChEBI

33118

ChEMBL

CHEMBL42403

ZINC

ZINC000245189278

PDBe Ligand

BO3

Wikipedia

Boric_acid

PDB Entries

1a95 / 1a96 / 1a97 / 1e3j / 1oj7 / 1s3t / 2j9t / 2y8s / 2y8t / 3r2v … show 36 more

MSDS

Download (49 KB)

Clinical Trials

json” data-total=”11″>

Phase	Status	Purpose	Conditions	Count
4	Completed	Treatment	Thyroid Eye Disease	1
3	Completed	Treatment	Diabetes Mellitus / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis	1
2	Unknown Status	Treatment	Atopic Dermatitis	1
2, 3	Completed	Treatment	Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)	1
2, 3	Completed	Treatment	Chronic Periodontitis (Disorder)	1
2, 3	Completed	Treatment	Chronic Periodontitis With Mandibular Degree 2 Furcation Defects	1
1	Unknown Status	Treatment	Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs)	1
0	Recruiting	Basic Science	Vulvovaginal Candidiasis	1
Not Available	Completed	Treatment	Otomycosis	1
Not Available	Not Yet Recruiting	Treatment	Otomycosis	1

Manufacturers

Not Available

Packagers

Not Available

Dosage Forms

Form	Route	Strength
Ointment	Topical	3 %
Solution	Topical	3 %
Ointment	Topical
Solution	Topical
Solution	Cutaneous
Powder	Topical; Vaginal
Powder	Topical
Powder, for solution	Topical
Powder	Nasal; Ophthalmic; Topical	100 %
Lotion	Ophthalmic	2. 5 %
Liquid	Topical	0.8 % w/w
Cream	Topical
Liquid	Ophthalmic	2.5 %
Solution	Cutaneous
Emulsion	Topical	7 mg/100mL
Suppository	Rectal
Gel	Cutaneous; Infiltration
Powder	Topical
Solution	Auricular (otic)
Liquid	Ophthalmic	1.2 %
Wafer	Oral
Liquid	Ophthalmic	21.644 mg/14mL
Ointment	Topical
Liquid	Topical
Jelly	Vaginal
Solution	Ophthalmic
Lotion	Ophthalmic
Liquid	Ophthalmic
Solution / drops	Ophthalmic
Solution	Topical

Prices

Not Available

Patents

Not Available

State

Solid

Experimental Properties

Property	Value	Source
melting point (°C)	169	MSDS
boiling point (°C)	300	MSDS
water solubility	Soluble in hot water, partially soluble in cold water	MSDS

Predicted Properties

Property	Value	Source
logP	-0. 51	Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Acidic)	8.7	Chemaxon
pKa (Strongest Basic)	-5.3	Chemaxon
Physiological Charge	0	Chemaxon
Hydrogen Acceptor Count	3	Chemaxon
Hydrogen Donor Count	3	Chemaxon
Polar Surface Area	60.69 Å2	Chemaxon
Rotatable Bond Count	0	Chemaxon
Refractivity	7.69 m3·mol-1	Chemaxon
Polarizability	5.15 Å3	Chemaxon
Number of Rings	0	Chemaxon
Bioavailability	1	Chemaxon
Rule of Five	Yes	Chemaxon
Ghose Filter	No	Chemaxon
Veber’s Rule	No	Chemaxon
MDDR-like Rule	No	Chemaxon

Predicted ADMET Features

Not Available

Mass Spec (NIST)

Not Available

Spectra

Spectrum	Spectrum Type	Splash Key
Predicted GC-MS Spectrum – GC-MS	Predicted GC-MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 10V, Positive (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 20V, Positive (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 40V, Positive (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 10V, Negative (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 20V, Negative (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available
Predicted MS/MS Spectrum – 40V, Negative (Annotated)	Predicted LC-MS/MS	Not Available

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Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:52 / Updated at September 28, 2021 21:54

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Boric Acid Uses & Remedies for Body & House

It may sound like a dangerous chemical, but boric acid (BA), derived from boron, is actually an antifungal cure-all of sorts. How so? Well, BA is the key ingredient in a variety of effective and affordable home remedies for some of the most common fungal infections, including athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infections. And that’s not all.

Do you suffer from frequent eye irritations? An eyewash made at home with BA as the key ingredient can be used to cleanse and fight irritations and infections of the eye. Boric acid eyewash quickly provides soothing relief and helps remove pollutants from the eye.

You might have heard of boric acid being used as a natural pest control as well. It’s true. People have been fighting cockroaches with BA for nearly a century. It’s one of the most effective cockroach control agents ever developed, and it can be used as an alternative pest control for roaches and other unwanted invaders. The awesome thing is it’s less toxic to humans and pets than other harsh chemical pesticides, and it also has several beneficial uses beyond getting rid of pests.

That said, it’s still important to note that boric acid is linked to endocrine disruption, according to research outlined in Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database. So while it is likely OK for home remedies here and there, it’s not something I’d expose myself to unnecessarily. (For instance, in bath bombs or other personal care products.)

What Is Boric Acid?

What is boric acid? It’s a white powder derived from boron and water that has antibiotic properties against both fungal and bacterial infections. The Journal of Women’s Health has found that BA is a safe, alternative, economic option for women with recurrent and chronic symptoms of vaginal yeast infections when conventional treatment fails. (1)

Boric acid (h4BO3) is a white crystalline, oxygen-bearing acid of boron, which is a component of certain minerals and volcanic waters or hot springs. It’s also known as hydrogen borate, boracic acid, orthoboric acid and acidum boricum. You can see from the boric acid formula h4BO3 that it consists of the elements boron, oxygen and hydrogen.

One of the most common and helpful boric acid uses is for nontoxic pest control. The employment of boric acid for ants and other unwanted home invaders actually goes pretty far back. In 1948, it was first registered in the U.S. as an insecticide to control cockroaches, termites, fire ants, fleas, silverfish and many other insects. In combination with its use as an insecticide, BA also prevents and destroys existing wet and dry rot in timbers.

It’s also added to salt in the curing of cattle hides, calfskins and sheepskins. The addition of BA helps control bacteria development and insects. When it comes to agriculture, BA can treat or prevent boron deficiencies in plants.

You can find boric acid in:

• Antiseptics and astringents
• Enamels and glazes
• Glass fiber manufacturing
• Medicated powders
• Skin lotions
• Some paints
• Some rodent and ant pesticides
• Photography chemicals
• Powders to kill roaches
• Some eyewash products

Boric Acid vs. Borax

Both BA and borax are commonly used for pest control. Is borax and boric acid the same thing? Although they are closely related and used in similar fashion, they are not exactly the same thing.

Boric acid is manufactured industrially from borate minerals and brines including borax. BA can be created by reacting borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) with a strong mineral acid, such as hydrochloric acid. Centuries ago, Wilhelm Homberg first prepared BA from borax using mineral acids.

Benefits

Boric acid has many health and household uses. Some of the top ways you can use BA include:

1. Yeast Infections

Can boric acid actually work as a natural and effective treatment for a vaginal yeast infection? It sure can. Some experts now recommend vaginal BA capsules as a treatment option for vaginal yeast infections, particularly infections that can’t be cured by antifungal yeast infection medicines. (2) That’s quite impressive.

For yeast infections, you can use boric acid in suppository form before bed for one to two weeks. The CDC reports that this regimen has clinical and mycologic (branch of biology that deals with fungi) eradication rates of approximately 70 percent. (3) A study published in the journal Diabetes Care has even found that vaginal boric acid suppositories were more effective against candida symptoms in diabetic women than an oral azole medication. (4)

Is boric acid effective as a vaginal yeast infection treatment? Some studies reveal that it can cure up to 70 out of 100 women. (5)

2. Roach Killer

Cockroaches can infest homes and restaurants. Not only are they unsightly and repulsive, but cockroaches can pose serious health risks to humans when they find their way indoors.

Cockroaches pick up germs on the spines of their legs as they crawl through decaying matter, which may be transferred to humans through food contamination, which can lead to illnesses such as E. coli and salmonella. In addition, there is a link between cockroaches and a greater occurrence of asthma and allergy attacks as their droppings, saliva and skin sheddings contain potent allergens known to trigger allergic reactions and exacerbate asthma symptoms, especially in children.

Thankfully, boric acid is very effective when it comes to getting rid of cockroaches. These disgusting creepy crawlers succumb to BA simply by crawling over treated areas. The tiny particles of powder adhere to a cockroach’s body and the roach ingests the powder as it preens it from its legs and antennae. The greasy outer covering of the insect’s body also absorb some of the BA. All species of cockroaches are susceptible to boric acid as long as you apply the powder in the areas where the roaches live. (6)

People also use BA to kill ants, fleas, termites, silverfish, beetles, wood borers and other parasites.

3. Eyewash

When it’s heavily diluted with water, BA can be used to create an easy and effective eyewash. Whether it’s a minor irritation or the more serious and contagious eye infection, a boric acid eye wash solution can help eye problems by treating any bacterial infection and soothing inflamed eyes. That includes relief of pink eye symptoms. (7)

In case you’re doubting the use of BA in your eyes, even well-established eye washes list boric acid as one of the main ingredients. (8) To relieve symptoms of eye irritations and infections, a homemade boric acid eyewash can easily be made carefully at home.

4. Acne

Some people recommend boric acid for use in home acne treatments. It also appears as an ingredient in some topical products that treat acne and other skin issues. (9)

Is boric acid safe for skin? BA is naturally antibacterial, and since there is a link between some forms of acne and bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), it can help kill the bacteria causing breakouts. However, BA is not a foolproof acne remedy and can significantly irritate the skin. Many countries have actually outlawed its use in cosmetics. It also gets a very high (negative) score of 8 out of 10 for health concerns by the EWG. (10)

5. Athlete’s Foot

Boric acid power can also treat fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Just a few sprinkles of the BA powder in your socks or stockings can help clear mild infections and ease the itching associated with athlete’s foot. An added bonus: It can also neutralize the foot odor from athlete’s foot, providing relief for stinky feet.

Why is BA effective at treating athlete’s foot? The acid changes the pH of your skin and helps remove dead skin that feeds the fungus. BA is a seriously potent fungicide, and it often clears up athlete’s foot in cases where antifungal creams have failed. (11)

6. Household Cleaner

You can use boric acid around the house as a cleanser, deodorizer, stain remover, disinfectant and mold killer. You can add BA to your next load of laundry for more stain-fighting power. You can also use it to clean the toilet bowl with very minimal effort required — simply put it in and wait 30 minutes. (12)

How to Use

For yeast infections, you can make your own BA suppositories by filling size 0 gelatin capsules with BA. This equals approximately 600 milligrams of boric acid. The standard yeast infection treatment is to insert one BA-filled capsule filled with 300 to 600 milligrams in the vagina at bedtime for 14 continuous days.

For recurring yeast infections, the standard yeast infection treatment is typically done for two weeks, and then to help prevent the infection from coming back you can use a 300 milligram capsule for five days each month beginning the first day of the menstrual cycle for at least six months. After six months you should stop using the boric acid and if another infection develops, see your doctor. (5)

To make a boric acid eyewash, you should use pharmaceutical grade boric acid powder. First, sterilize an eye cup or eyedropper. Next, mix 1/8 of a teaspoon of BA into one cup of cooled, sterilized water, making sure the acid dissolves completely. If using an eye cup, fill the cup and lower your eye onto it. Blink and roll your eye around several times. If using an eyedropper, squeeze the rubber bulb on the top of the dropper. Then dip the open end into the eyewash. Tip your head back and squeeze the bulb to release the fluid. Repeat several times. Repeat up to three times per day. Always make sure to sterilize your tools each time.

For athlete’s foot, mix BA and rubbing alcohol in the following ratio: two teaspoons BA to one cup of rubbing alcohol or water. Apply to feet with cotton swabs. You can also put the dry powder into the ends of socks or stockings to treat or prevent athlete’s foot.

To kill cockroaches and other unwanted pests, the key to success with BA is proper application. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most common areas to find cockroaches, although any area of a home may become infested if the infestation is bad enough. Cockroaches specifically prefer to live in cracks, crevices and secluded areas close to food, moisture and warmth.

For best results, the powder should be applied in a very thin layer barely visible to the naked eye around the area you think the cockroaches are originating from in your home. Key areas for treatment include under and behind the refrigerator, stove and dishwasher; into the opening where plumbing pipes enter walls; and into cracks along edges and corners inside cabinets and pantries. You want to keep children and pets away from the areas where you apply the acid. Although BA is safer than chemical pesticides, it’s still toxic to pets and children, especially if ingested.

To remove stains and odor from clothing, simply add half a cup of BA to your regular laundry load. You can also put half a cup of the acid into your toilet bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. Not only does the BA remove stains, but it also removes unpleasant odor.

If you’re wondering where to buy boric acid, you can typically find it in grocery stores or online.

Recipes

Some of the best boric acid recipes are definitely the ones for two common health problems: yeast infections and athlete’s foot. Both of these fungal infections will head for the hills once you introduce BA into the picture.

Boric Acid Vaginal Yeast Infection Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 600 milligrams BA
• size 0 gelatin capsule

DIRECTIONS:

1. Insert one BA-filled capsule inserted in the vagina at bedtime for seven continuous days.

Boric Acid Athlete’s Foot Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 teaspoons BA
• 1 cup of rubbing alcohol or water

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix ingredients and apply to feet with cotton swabs.
2. You can also put the dry BA powder into the ends of socks or stockings to treat or prevent athlete’s foot.

Boric Acid Precautions

Is boric acid safe for humans? As long as you use it correctly and safely, it can be safe. Never use boric acid internally by mouth, on open wounds, or on children. Swallowing boric acid can be fatal. If swallowed, seek emergency medical attention.

For this reason, always keep boric acid out of the reach of children. The infant death rate from boric acid poisonings is high. However, poisoning is considerably rarer than in the past because the substance is no longer used as a disinfectant in nurseries.

When boric acid is used in capsules as a vaginal suppository, skin irritation can sometimes occur. BA should not be used in any way if you are pregnant.

Don’t use boric acid eyewash while wearing contact lenses, and wait at least 15 minutes after using boric acid eyewash before putting your contact lenses in. Don’t use a boric acid eyewash if you have open wounds in or near the eyes. You should get medical help right away if you have any such wounds. Of course, you should also see a doctor if you experience any eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye after using a boric acid eyewash.

Never apply boric acid onto countertops or other exposed surfaces, especially those used to prepare food. If boric acid gets on your skin, remove it by washing the area thoroughly. If pure boric acid comes in contact with your eyes, wash them out with cool water for 15 minutes. If you accidentally swallow boric acid, seek medical attention immediately.

Final Thoughts

What is boric acid used to treat? When used properly and safely, boric acid can serve as an effective treatment for:

• Vaginal yeast infections
• Fungal infections like athlete’s foot
• Eye irritations
• Eye infections
• Skin issues like acne
• Household pest control
• Indoor cleaning agent

Boric acid has proved itself to be a potent antifungal to humans as well as a destroyer of unwanted household pests. It’s a strange combination of benefits, but then again, most natural remedies come with many surprising and unexpected capabilities.

It is important to note that boric acid is linked to endocrine disruption. So while it is likely acceptable for home remedies here and there, keep exposure limited.

Boric acid: instruction, price, analogues | Viola FF

Boric acid – according to the ATC classification, an antiseptic and disinfectant available without a prescription.

Boric acid is a white crystalline powder.

Boric acid also has an insecticidal (including anti-pediculosis) effect. The mechanism of its action is determined by the coagulation of microbial cell proteins, which violates the permeability of the cell membrane. In addition, enzymatic proteins are also coagulated, which leads to a disruption in the metabolism of bacteria. It has been shown that 2–4% solution of boric acid acts bacteriostatically, that is, it delays the growth and development of bacteria (Efremova O. A. et al., 2010).

Boric acid is indicated for use in therapy (including complex therapy) of conjunctivitis, weeping eczema, diaper rash, pyoderma, acute and chronic otitis, colpitis in patients over the age of 18 years.

Solutions of boric acid are used for lubrication of affected surfaces, preparation of dressings and turundas (instruction of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine).

Boric acid: a place in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media

Chronic suppurative otitis media, also often referred to as chronic otitis media (COM), is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity, characterized by discharge from the ear (otorrhea) through a perforated eardrum (Head K., 2020). This is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases in the world (Adriztina I. et al., 2018). In addition to otorrhea, one of the main clinical manifestations of CSR is hearing loss. There may also be discomfort and pain in the affected ear. Hearing loss can lead to disability and impair speech and cognitive development. In addition, socially, it impairs the patient’s communication capabilities and limits his employment prospects, significantly reducing the quality of life (Head K., 2020). Complications of CSR can be extracranial (such as mastoid abscess, postauricular fistula, and facial paralysis) and intracranial (such as otogenic meningitis, cerebellar abscess) (Adriztina I. et al., 2018). Treatment of CSR is usually complex and includes both the use of systemic antibiotics and topical antibiotics, antiseptics, NSAIDs and glucocorticoids. Antiseptics can be used in the form of drops injected into the ear canal of the turunda, moistened with an antiseptic, or rinsing with a syringe. If conservative therapy fails, surgical treatment may be performed. In one of the studies, the effectiveness of the use of instillation of an alcohol solution of boric acid in the relief of otorrhea in CSR was demonstrated in comparison with the placebo group. Another study showed that topical application of boric acid solution is more effective than application of acetic acid solution (Head K. , 2020).

Difficulties in the treatment of chronic infectious processes, including chronic otitis media, are largely associated with the formation of biofilms, since the bacteria inside the latter are resistant to most antibacterial agents. It has been established that boric acid destroys biofilms of many bacterial strains. One of the reviews, which included 24 studies, also recorded the effectiveness of the use of boric acid in the treatment of CRS. At the same time, the absence of ototoxicity was demonstrated when using solutions of boric acid containing less than 4% of the active substance (Adriztina I. et al., 2018).

Other applications of boric acid

Since boric acid has fungistatic properties, it can be used as part of solutions (talkers) in the treatment of malasseziosis (Sinitsa V.I., Sinitsa P.V., 2006).

Erysipelas (erysipelas) accounts for about 20% of all purulent-septic diseases in surgical practice (Efremova OA et al., 2010). One of the studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the combined use of solutions of boric acid and dimexide after dermatotomy in the complex treatment of complicated forms of erysipelas. The use of a solution containing boric acid and dimexide allows both to reduce the bacterial contamination of the affected surface and helps to cleanse necrotic masses, reduce the severity of edema and epithelialization (Efremova O.A. et al., 2010). This treatment regimen is also effective in erythematous-bullous and bullous-hemorrhagic form of erysipelas (Efremova O.A. et al., 2009).

Boric acid: conclusion

Boric acid is an affordable antiseptic and disinfectant, produced in the form of a powder for preparing solutions and ready-made alcohol solution. Despite the huge number of different antiseptics for local use on the pharmaceutical market, boric acid is still widely used in the treatment of various skin, gynecological diseases, and ENT pathologies. At the same time, one should be aware of the inadmissibility of the use of boric acid preparations in children due to its toxicity. British Pediatric Association at 1966 recommended the discontinuation of the use of drugs containing boric acid in infants and children.

instructions for use for the ears, drops, whether it is possible in the ear

A wide range of Russian pharmacies allows you to choose a product in any price category. Boric alcohol is considered one of such effective and affordable drugs. The advantage of boric acid, which is part of it, is based on good tolerance by human skin. The substance has weak acidic properties and therefore does not irritate tissues and is safe when inhaled at therapeutic doses, and has no odor.

Contents

1. In what dosage forms is boric acid found?
2. Application
3. Can children use boric acid?
4. Undesirable effects of boric acid
5. Who should not use boric acid?
6. Overdose
7. Analogs

Boric acid

In what dosage forms is boric acid found?

Most of the pharmacy sales, of course, account for boric alcohol, where the active ingredient is 3%, and ethyl alcohol 70%.

Vaseline and talc with boric acid are less common. Otherwise, it is used as a reliable preservative for any ointments. Teymurov’s multicomponent Paste with boric acid is widely known, which has an antibacterial, antifungal and deodorizing effect when applied to the skin of the feet.

Pure powder available in 10 gram bags. It is not intended for medicinal purposes, but for the disinfection of premises, instruments, equipment, containers in the food industry, as well as in medical institutions, and especially in children (due to the low degree of toxicity).

Boric acid, 3%, alcohol topical solution, 25 ml, 1 pc.

Tula Pharmaceutical Factory, Russia

Price

from 20₽

Boric acid, 3%, alcohol topical solution, 25 ml, 1 pc.

Ivanovo Pharmaceutical Factory, Russia

Price

from 20₽

Boric acid Reneval, 3%, topical solution (alcohol), 25 ml, 1 pc.

PFC update, Russia

Price

from 69₽

There are contraindications. Specialist consultation is required.

Application

The main property of the acid is antiseptic. In the form of alcohol, 3% is used externally for pyoderma, dermatitis, diaper rash.

Is it possible to drip boric acid into the ear?

The answer is no. Currently, doctors do not prescribe such prescriptions. In water, boric acid does not dissolve well, and 70% alcohol, as a base, is too harsh and can harm the middle and inner ear. In addition, the absorption of boric acid into the blood should not be allowed. You can read about other medicines against otitis media at the end of the article, the paragraph “Analogues”.

In rare cases, when there is no modern preparation for inflammation in the ear at hand, boric acid can be used, but not more than three days. The person must be at least 18 years of age.

Boric acid for otitis – how many drops should be dosed?

We note right away that boric alcohol is not dripped into the ear directly. It should be applied to a gauze swab 3-5 drops of the product and injected into the external auditory canal, repeat the procedure 2-3 times a day. It is necessary to ensure that the proportion of boric acid does not exceed 3%, a different concentration can cause harm and hearing impairment. It is strictly forbidden with a damaged eardrum.

Boric ointment

Ointment has a concentration of 5%, is currently not very popular. It is used for eczema, dermatitis, skin diaper rash.

How to make boric acid at home?

Usually, powder is not used for skin treatment, but ready-made alcohol is used. With it, you can achieve a persistent antibacterial and antifungal effect.

How to dilute boric acid in a room disinfectant powder?

Isopropanol and water are added to such solutions for better dissolution. However, only trained personnel can do this, subject to the conditions: ventilation, special clothing, and so on.

Boric acid Ivanovo

Can children use boric acid?

The answer is no. Children are contraindicated due to the risk of absorption of the drug from the surface of the skin into the systemic circulation. For the same reasons, doctors do not risk prescribing boric alcohol against otitis media.

Where can I get boric acid?

In the form of boric alcohol, the drug is sold in every pharmacy. Boric vaseline and dry powder are also found.

Boric acid – a recipe for excessive sweating of the feet. In pharmacies, you can find an inexpensive, but effective hygiene product for body care. Talc with boric acid is sold in the finished mixture. It is applied twice a day to the feet with excessive sweating of the legs. The powder has a deodorizing property, and will also help to avoid a fungal or bacterial infection.

Undesirable effects of boric acid

Misuse or overdose may cause nausea, upset stomach, impaired consciousness, rash and skin irritation, shock.

Who should not use boric acid?

Hypersensitivity, renal failure, pregnancy, and persons under 18 years of age. Nursing mothers are forbidden to disinfect the mammary glands with boric acid, as this can lead to poisoning of the child.

When to be careful?

It is not recommended to apply on a large surface of the skin, on areas covered with hair, on damaged areas, since in these situations the risk of absorption of the drug increases.

Overdose

Cases are described when children took boric acid powder orally, there were deaths. The toxicity of this substance is very high, the drug is rapidly absorbed and damages the functioning of the kidneys and other internal organs, accumulates, but is difficult to excrete. It is dangerous for children to apply even on the skin, as the medicine enters the bloodstream through the damaged surface and mucous membranes. At the slightest suspicion of poisoning, you should immediately call a doctor.

Boric acid

Analogs

In medical practice, you can find many modern and non-toxic products for topical and external use. For example, Betadine solution based on povidone-iodine. It is also applied to damaged skin. It is widely used in hospitals in the treatment of wound infections, ulcers, in preparation for surgery, in dentistry.

Safe for mucous membranes Chlorhexidine. It is used as an antiseptic in gynecology, dentistry, for treating burn wounds, for disinfecting the patient’s skin and the hands of staff. If povidone-iodine has a small risk of absorption, then Chlorhexidine does not have such a danger at all, it is a very mild drug.

Perhaps the most powerful antiseptic for local use is Miramistin. In addition to its antibacterial action, it has an antiviral and antifungal effect. The drug enhances healing, stimulates local immunity, it does not inhibit the cells of the human body, as a result, epithelialization occurs faster. Miramistin is just indicated for the treatment of acute and chronic otitis and many other pathologies.

Safe over-the-counter drops for ear inflammation are available at the pharmacy. These are Otipax, Otirelax, Maxicold Ototita. All these drugs include the anesthetic lidocaine and the anti-inflammatory component phenazone. Eliminate pain and inflammation quickly. The active ingredient in Otinum is choline salicylate, an anti-inflammatory agent.

Conclusion

Currently, boric acid for humans is more often used to disinfect equipment and premises, and in the pharmacy sector, its sales have given way to more modern antiseptics. If the surface of the skin is not damaged, boric alcohol is suitable for disinfection, but this is rare. Considering that the risk of absorption into the blood is high, it is easier to choose Chlorhexidine or Hydrogen Peroxide. With otitis all the more difficult. Let’s start with the fact that it is extremely difficult for a person to determine what kind of otitis he has: external, middle or internal.