Boric acid

Boric acid, also known as boric acid, H3BO3, is a weak, white acid that usually exists in the form of powder or crystals. It has a variety of applications in medicine, industry and households.

Medical use

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

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

Industrial applications

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

• Production of glass and ceramics: as a component that increases the strength and heat resistance of materials.
• Nuclear energy: as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
• Agriculture: as a fertilizer and insecticide.

Household use

Boric acid is also used at home:

• Insecticide: effective against ants, cockroaches and other insects.
• Preservative: to preserve products and materials from spoilage.

Indications Boric acid

Medical Uses

1. Treatment of Fungal Infections:

   • Boric acid is effective in treating vaginal yeast infections such as candidiasis. Used in vaginal suppository form.

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 Conditions:

   • 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 can be used to treat certain types of ear infections, especially those caused by fungal infections.

Industrial and Domestic Uses

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 a solution for washing the eyes or ears.

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. The solutions can also be used as 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. Tablets:

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

5. Vaginal suppositories:

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

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antiseptic effect: Boric acid has the ability to inhibit 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 effect: Boric acid helps reduce inflammation by suppressing the activity of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines and prostaglandins.
3. Binding and removal of exudate: Boric acid has the ability to bind exudate (secretions) and facilitate their removal from the affected area.
4. Drying and cooling properties: Boric acid can provide a drying and cooling effect, which may help reduce swelling and itching from burns, insect bites and other skin lesions.
5. Antiperspirant effect: 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: After absorption, boric acid is distributed throughout the tissues of the body. 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 urine and feces.
5. Half-life: The half-life of boric acid from the body may vary depending on individual factors and conditions involved in excretion. The half-life may be short.

Dosing and administration

1. Mouth Rinse: To eliminate bad breath or treat gum disease, you can use a boric acid mouth rinse solution. The solution can be prepared by diluting 1 teaspoon of boric acid in 1 glass of warm water. Rinsing is carried out 2-3 times a day.
2. Compresses: To treat burns, wounds, ulcers and other skin problems, you can use compresses with a solution of boric acid. 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 gas in a solution and applying it 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 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 inflammation, rashes or sweat rashes. The powder can be applied to the skin in the problem area several times a day.

Use Boric acid during pregnancy

1. Potential Risks to the Fetus: Use of boric acid internally or externally during pregnancy may pose certain risks to the developing fetus. Boron can cross the placenta and have a toxic effect 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 on animals.
3. Topical Application: Topical application of boric acid (eg, in the form of skin solutions) may pose less of a 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 treatments that may involve boric acid seem necessary, it is important to discuss this with your doctor.
5. Alternatives: Safe alternatives can be used instead of boric acid during pregnancy for skin treatments and other medical problems. Your doctor may recommend alternative medications or methods that do not pose a risk to the pregnancy or developing fetus.

Contraindications

1. Broken Skin: Boric acid should not be applied to open wounds, cuts, scrapes or other damaged skin as it may cause irritation and make the condition worse.
2. Hypersensitivity: Some people may have an allergic reaction to boric acid and should be avoided if you have a known allergy to this component.
3. Use in children: The use of boric acid in children requires special caution and consultation with a doctor due to the risk of entering the oral cavity and absorption, which can lead to poisoning.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of boric acid during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor, as the safety of its use in these cases has not been fully studied.
5. Ingestion: Boric acid should not be taken orally without a doctor's prescription, as this can lead to serious poisoning and complications, including impaired renal and nervous system function.

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 can cause dry skin and flaking.
3. Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to boric acid, which may include rashes, itching, swelling, or even angioedema.
4. Toxic effects if ingested: Ingestion of boric acid can cause poisoning, symptoms of which may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
5. Effects on the central nervous system: If large doses of boric acid enter the body, symptoms associated with effects on the central nervous system, such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness or insomnia, may occur.
6. Negative effects on the kidneys: In people with impaired kidney function, boric acid may worsen the condition and increase boron levels in the blood.
7. Negative effects on the reproductive system: In women, the use of boric acid in the vagina can disrupt the pH balance and microflora, which contributes to the development of vaginal infections.

Overdose

1. Headaches.
2. Swelling.
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 result in salicylate toxicity.
2. Aluminium preparations: The combined use of boric acid with aluminum preparations can increase their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to increased toxic effects.
3. Magnesium containing preparations: Boric acid may reduce the absorption of magnesium from the gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.
4. Iron compounds: Boric acid may form a captive complex with iron, which may reduce its bioavailability.
5. Antifungal drugs (fluconazole, itraconazole): Boric acid may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs because they can interact with it and form complexes.
6. Specific drugs for the treatment of urinary tract infections: In some cases, the combined use of boric acid with drugs for the treatment of urinary tract infections may enhance their effect.