Boric acid

Boric acid, also known as boric acidum, H3BO3, is a weak white acid that usually exists as a powder or crystals. It has a variety of medical, industrial, and household uses.

Medical use

Boric acid has traditionally been used in medicine as an antiseptic to treat certain types of infections, especially eye infections and skin infections. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in the following cases:

• Treatment of eye infections: used as an eye wash solution.
• Treatment of candidiasis and other fungal infections of the skin: used in powder or ointment form.
• Treatment of minor wounds and cuts: as an antiseptic.

Industrial application

In industry, boric acid is used for the following purposes:

• Glass and ceramic production: as a component that increases the strength and heat resistance of materials.
• Nuclear power: as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
• Agriculture: as a fertilizer and insecticide.

Use in the household

Boric acid also finds application at home:

• Insecticide: effective against ants, cockroaches and other insects.
• Preservative: to keep food and materials from spoiling.

Indications boric acid

Medical use

1. Treatment of fungal infections:

   • Boric acid is effective in treating vaginal yeast infections such as candidiasis. It is used in the form of vaginal suppositories.

2. Treatment of eye infections:

   • Boric acid solution is used as an eye wash for various eye infections such as conjunctivitis to relieve inflammation and reduce irritation.

3. Treatment of skin diseases:

   • Used in powder or solution form to treat certain skin infections and conditions, including psoriasis and eczema, and to treat cuts and minor wounds to prevent infection.

4. Ear infections:

   • Boric acid solutions may be used to treat some types of ear infections, especially those caused by fungal infections.

Industrial and domestic use

1. As an insecticide:

   • Boric acid is effective against insects such as cockroaches, ants and other pests. It disrupts their digestive system and acts as a dry contact poison.

2. Preservative:

   • In some cases, boric acid is used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics, although its use in the food industry is limited due to potential toxicity.

Release form

1. Powder:

   • Pure boric acid powder is often used as an antiseptic for external use on the skin or as an insecticide. The powder can be dissolved in water to create an eye or ear wash.

2. Solution:

   • Boric acid is available as a solution that can be used to wash the eyes for infections or to treat other inflammatory conditions. Solutions can also be used for ear drops to treat ear infections.

3. Ointment:

   • Boric acid ointments are used to treat skin conditions such as fungal infections and to treat cuts or burns.

4. Pills:

   • Although less common in form, boric acid can sometimes be found in tablet form, which is used for vaginal insertion to treat vaginal infections.

5. Vaginal suppositories:

   • Vaginal boric acid capsules or suppositories are used to treat vaginal yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antiseptic action: Boric acid has the ability to suppress the growth and reproduction of many microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is used as an antiseptic for treating wounds and burns.
2. Anti-inflammatory action: Boric acid helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins.
3. Binding and removal of exudate: Boric acid has the ability to bind exudate (discharge) and facilitate its removal from the affected area.
4. Drying and cooling properties: Boric acid can provide a drying and cooling effect, which can help reduce swelling and itching in burns, insect bites and other skin lesions.
5. Antiperspirant action: Boric acid is sometimes used in cosmetics as an antiperspirant due to its ability to tighten skin pores and reduce sweating.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Boric acid can be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, but this absorption is usually negligible. It can be absorbed through the skin when applied topically.
2. Distribution: Once absorbed, boric acid is distributed throughout the body's tissues. It can accumulate in the liver, kidneys, and bones.
3. Metabolism: Boric acid undergoes minimal metabolism in the body.
4. Excretion: Boric acid is excreted from the body primarily through the kidneys. Small amounts may also be excreted in the urine and feces.
5. Half-life: The half-life of boric acid in the body may vary depending on individual factors and conditions of participation in excretion. The half-life may be short.

Dosing and administration

1. Mouthwash: To eliminate bad breath or to treat gum disease, you can use a boric acid solution as a mouthwash. The solution can be prepared by diluting 1 teaspoon of boric acid in 1 glass of warm water. Rinse 2-3 times a day.
2. Compresses: To treat burns, wounds, ulcers and other skin problems, you can use compresses with a boric acid solution. The solution is prepared by diluting boric acid in warm water (usually 1-2 teaspoons of boric acid per 1 glass of water). Compresses are made by soaking gauze or gauze in the solution and applying them to the affected area of the skin.
3. Lotions: Boric acid can be used as an antiseptic lotion to cleanse and treat the skin. The solution is prepared in the same way as for compresses and is applied to the skin using a cotton swab or cotton pads.
4. Powder: Boric acid can also be used in powder form to treat skin inflammations, rashes, or sweat rashes. The powder can be applied to the skin in the affected area several times a day.

Use boric acid during pregnancy

1. Potential risks to the fetus: Using boric acid internally or externally during pregnancy may pose certain risks to the developing fetus. Boron can cross the placenta and cause toxic effects on the fetus.
2. Effects on fetal development: Animal studies have shown that high doses of boron can cause various developmental defects in the fetus. However, data on the effects of boric acid on the human fetus are limited, and studies have been conducted primarily in animals.
3. Topical use: Topical use of boric acid (such as skin solutions) may pose less risk than internal use, but still requires caution.
4. Expert Advice: To avoid risks, pregnant women should avoid using boric acid during pregnancy without consulting a doctor. If skin treatments or other medical procedures that may involve boric acid seem necessary, it is important to discuss this with a doctor.
5. Alternatives: Safe alternatives to boric acid can be used during pregnancy to treat skin and other medical issues. Your doctor may recommend alternatives or methods that do not pose risks to your pregnancy and developing fetus.

Contraindications

1. Broken Skin: Do not apply boric acid to open wounds, cuts, scrapes or other broken skin areas as it may cause irritation and worsen the condition.
2. Hypersensitivity: Some people may have an allergic reaction to boric acid, so it should be avoided in case of a known allergy to this component.
3. Use in Children: Use of boric acid in children requires special care and consultation with a doctor due to the risk of ingestion and absorption, which may lead to poisoning.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use of boric acid during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a physician, as its safety in these situations has not been fully studied.
5. Ingestion: Boric acid should not be taken internally without a doctor's prescription, as it can lead to serious poisoning and complications, including kidney and nervous system dysfunction.

Side effects boric acid

1. Skin Irritation: When boric acid is applied to the skin, irritation, redness and itching may occur in some cases.
2. Dry Skin: Long-term use of boric acid may cause dry skin and flaking.
3. Allergic Reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to boric acid, which may include rashes, itching, swelling, or even angioedema.
4. Toxic effects if ingested: Ingesting boric acid can cause poisoning, symptoms of which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
5. Effects on the Central Nervous System: When large doses of boric acid are ingested, symptoms associated with effects on the central nervous system may occur, such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness or insomnia.
6. Adverse effects on the kidneys: In people with impaired kidney function, boric acid may cause deterioration of the condition and increase boron levels in the blood.
7. Negative impact on the reproductive system: In women, the use of boric acid in the vagina can lead to disruption of the pH balance and microflora, which contributes to the development of vaginal infections.

Overdose

1. Headaches.
2. Edema.
3. Burns on the skin or mucous membranes.
4. Nausea and vomiting.
5. Indigestion.
6. Increased frequency of urination.
7. High blood pressure.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Salicylates (aspirin): Boric acid may increase salicylate levels in the blood, which may lead to salicylate toxic effects.
2. Aluminum preparations: Concomitant use of boric acid with aluminum preparations may increase their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to increased toxicity.
3. Magnesium-containing medications: Boric acid may reduce the absorption of magnesium from the gastrointestinal tract, which may reduce its effectiveness.
4. Iron Compounds: Boric acid may form a non-free complex with iron, which may reduce its bioavailability.
5. Antifungal medications (fluconazole, itraconazole): Boric acid may reduce the effectiveness of these medications because they may interact with it and form complexes.
6. Specific medications for urinary tract infections: In some cases, the combined use of boric acid with medications for urinary tract infections may enhance their effects.