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Boric alcohol in the ear of adults, pregnancy and child: is it possible and how much to drop?
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Boric alcohol in the ear has been a common recipe for treating ear inflammation for many years. No one doubted the effectiveness of the drug and, indeed, it “worked”. Many new names have appeared on the pharmaceutical market recently, although grandmothers still insist on treating their grandchildren with boric alcohol. Often, it is not only instilled, but also compresses are made to warm the ear. But is it possible to put boric alcohol in the ear? What are the modern interpretations of such treatment?
Indications of boric alcohol in the ear
Boric alcohol is usually used in case of ear pain. Severe pain most often occurs with otitis - inflammatory processes in the ear, which are caused by staphylococci, pneumococci and other pathogens. It is very important to eliminate the infection in time, not to let it spread. Antiseptics are used for this purpose, one of which is boric alcohol. Doctors have begun to prescribe it less often due to the abundance of other more effective and safer means. But the drug has not lost public trust to this day. In addition to external and middle ear inflammation, indications for its use are:
- shooting pains;
- congestion;
- trauma or furuncle in the ear canal;
- ear pain along with symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and colds.
Boric alcohol is dripped into the ear for otitis only when there is no perforation of the eardrum.
Pharmacodynamics
Boric alcohol has an antiseptic property: antifungal and antibacterial action. Under its influence, the cellular permeability of pathogenic organisms is disrupted, their protein coagulates, which significantly slows down the growth and development of bacteria. Irritates mucous membranes, young connective tissue that occurs in the healing process. When absorbed, it has a toxic effect.
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Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of boric alcohol indicate that the drug is well absorbed, but is excreted slowly, accumulating in the body. This indicates its toxicity. Half of the drug is excreted by the kidneys within half a day, the rest within a week. Using drops for a long time or exceeding the norm can provoke intoxication of the body. Therefore, boric alcohol should be instilled into the ear, especially in a child, very carefully, and should not be used at all before 3 years of age.
Dosing and administration
The method of application and dosage of boric alcohol must be strictly observed during its use. It is necessary to pre-treat the auricle with hydrogen peroxide, which, when interacting with sulfur, will foam and hiss. After that, wipe the ear with a dry towel. How to drip boric alcohol into the ear? Before the procedure, you need to lie on your side, with the sore ear up. Draw the liquid into a pipette and warm it in your hand, drip so that the drops do not get into the auricle directly, but along the wall of the ear canal. Remain in this position for another ten minutes. If necessary, repeat the procedure with the second ear. How much boric alcohol to drip into the ear and for how many days? In one ear no more than 3 drops three times a day, maximum 10 days.
Turunda with boric alcohol in the ear
For people who cannot lie on their side for a long time, there is another method of using the product - a turunda with boric alcohol in the ear: a turunda - a flagellum is rolled up from cotton wool, moistened with liquid, squeezed out well and placed in the ear canal. It is best to carry out the procedure at night, leaving the cotton wool with boric alcohol until the morning.
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Ear compress with boric alcohol
Ear compresses are made to warm the ear, as a result of which the pain is reduced, the inflammation passes faster. They are oil and alcohol. A compress with boric alcohol, like other types (with vodka, camphor oil, alcohol) is applied not to the ear itself, but around it. To do this, cut a hole for the ear in several layers of gauze, moisten it in boric alcohol, squeeze out excess moisture and apply it so that the sore ear is in the cut hole. The area around the ear can be pre-lubricated with a thick cream. On top of the gauze, cover with tracing paper or cellophane, then an insulating layer of cotton wool, fix everything with a bandage. The compress can be left overnight, or removed after 4 hours. In no case should it be applied at an elevated body temperature, purulent processes in the ear, inflammation of the skin around it.
A compress on a sore ear is also possible in another form. For this, cotton swabs are used in the ears with boric alcohol and glycerin. Take 3% alcohol and glycerin in equal parts and moisten the swab. How long should boric alcohol be kept in the ear? Three hours during the week is enough to achieve the effect.
Read also:
- Ear compresses for otitis: alcohol, vodka, warming, with dimexide
- Drops for otitis
- Antibiotics for otitis
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Use of boric alcohol in the ear during pregnancy
The use of boric alcohol during pregnancy is prohibited due to its toxicity, regardless of the period. Boric alcohol in the ear is also not used during breastfeeding.
Contraindications
From the above, several contraindications to the use of boric alcohol already follow: perforation of the eardrum, children under three years of age, pregnancy and lactation. Under what other circumstances is this remedy prohibited? It is not recommended to instill drops into the ears if there is purulent or bloody discharge from them, an allergy to the drug has appeared, there is a pathology of the heart or kidneys.
Side effects of boric alcohol in the ear
Side effects from the use of boric alcohol are not common if you do not deviate from the instructions for use, but you still need to know about them:
- nausea and vomiting;
- headache, dizziness;
- disruption of kidney function, including decreased urine output;
- convulsions and confusion;
- manifestations of allergies;
- state of shock.
Overdose
An overdose of boric alcohol can cause side effects. If at least one of the described conditions occurs, you must immediately stop instilling. Symptoms of severe intoxication are a reason to urgently consult a doctor, otherwise you can cause damage to your kidneys. Accidental ingestion of the product leads to a failure of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidney pathologies, and even death is possible.
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Interactions with other drugs
Interactions with other topical medications may lead to unpredictable effects.
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Shelf life
The shelf life of boric acid is 3 years from the date of manufacture, after which the drug should not be used.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Boric alcohol in the ear of adults, pregnancy and child: is it possible and how much to drop?" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.