Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Boric alcohol in the ear of adults, with pregnancy and child: is it possible and how much to drip?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Boric alcohol in the ear for many years was a common prescription for the treatment of its inflammations. The effectiveness of the drug was not in anyone's doubt and, indeed, he "worked". In the pharmaceutical market, many new names have appeared recently, although grandmothers still insist on treating their grandchildren with boric alcohol. Often it is not only dig in, but also make compresses for warming up the ear. But can boron alcohol in the ear? What are the modern interpretations of this treatment?
Indications of the boric alcohol in the ear
Usually boric alcohol is used in case of ear pain. Strong painful sensations most often occur in 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 become less likely to appoint him because of the abundance of other more effective and safe means. But the alternative drug does not lose the alternative trust till now. In addition to external and secondary inflammations of the ear, indications for its use are:
- lumbago;
- congestion;
- trauma or furuncle in the ear canal;
- pain in the ears, along with symptoms of SARS and colds.
Boric alcohol in the ear with otitis drip only when there is no perforation of the tympanic membrane.
Pharmacodynamics
Boric alcohol has an antiseptic property: antifungal and antibacterial action. Under its influence, the cellular permeability of pathogenic organisms is disrupted, and their protein cools down, which significantly slows the growth and development of bacteria. Irritant to mucous membranes, young connective tissue that occurs during healing. When absorbed it shows a toxic effect.
[3],
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of boric alcohol testifies that the drug is well absorbed, but is slowly excreted, accumulating in the body. This indicates its toxicity. Half of the drug is excreted by the kidneys during the half-day, the rest for a week. Using drops for a long time or exceeding the norm, you can provoke an intoxication of the body. Therefore boric alcohol in the ear, especially the child, it is necessary to dig in very carefully, and up to 3 years not to apply at all.
Dosing and administration
The way of application and the dose of boric alcohol should be strictly observed during its use. Beforehand, it is necessary to treat the auricle with hydrogen peroxide, which, when interacting with sulfur, will foam and sizzle. After that, wipe the ear with a dry towel. How to drip boric alcohol in the ear? Before the procedure you need to lie on your side, up with a sick ear. Collect the liquid in a pipette and warm it in your hand, drip so that the ear drops do not hit directly into the ear shell, but through the wall of the auditory canal. Stay in this position for another ten minutes. If necessary, do the procedure with the second ear. How much boric alcohol drips into your ear and how many days? In one ear, not more than 3 drops three times a day, maximum 10 days.
Turunda with boric alcohol in the ear
For people who can not stay on their side for a long time, there is another method of using the drug - turunda with boric alcohol in the ear: a turunda - flagella rolls of cotton wool, is wetted with liquid, squeezed well and placed in the auditory canal. It is best to conduct the procedure at night, leaving the cotton wool with boric alcohol until the morning.
[4]
Compress on the ear with boron alcohol
Compresses in the ear are made for warming, as a result of which pain decreases, inflammation passes faster. They are oily and alcoholic. Compress with boric alcohol, like other types (with vodka, camphor oil, alcohol) are imposed not on the ear itself, but around it. To do this, cut out the ear hole in several additions to the ear, moisten it in boric alcohol, squeeze out excess moisture and apply it so that the diseased ear turns out to be in the cut hole. The area around the ear can be pre-lubricated with a fat cream. On top, gauze is covered with tracing paper or cellophane, then the warming layer of cotton wool is fixed with a bandage. The compress can be left overnight, and you can take an hour through 4. In no case can it be put at an elevated body temperature, suppurative processes in the ear, inflammation of the skin around it.
Compress to the sick ear is possible in another form. To do this, cotton swabs are used in the ears with boric alcohol and glycerin. 3% alcohol and glycerin are taken in equal parts and a tampon is wetted. How much it is necessary to keep boric alcohol in the ear? To achieve the effect, just three hours during the week.
Read also:
- Compresses in the ear for otitis: alcohol, vodka, warming, with dimexidum
- Drops with otitis
- Antibiotics for otitis
[5]
Use of the boric alcohol in the ear during pregnancy
The use of boric alcohol during pregnancy is prohibited due to its toxicity, regardless of the term. Boric alcohol in the ear is also not used in breastfeeding.
Contraindications
From the above, several contraindications to the use of boric alcohol already follow: perforation of the tympanic membrane, children under three, pregnancy and lactation. Under what other circumstances is the facility banned? It is not recommended to bury the ears, if there is purulent or blood discharge from them, there is an allergy to the drug, there is a pathology of the heart or kidneys.
Side effects of the boric alcohol in the ear
Side effects from the use of boric alcohol are not common, if not depart from the instructions for use, and yet they need to know about:
- nausea and vomiting;
- headache, dizziness;
- a disturbance in the work of the kidneys, including a decrease in the excreted urine;
- convulsions and confusion;
- allergy manifestations;
- shock state.
Overdose
Overdose of boric alcohol can cause side effects. If at least one of the described conditions occurs, the instillation should be stopped immediately. Symptoms of severe intoxication - an occasion to call a doctor immediately, otherwise you can cause damage to the kidneys. Accidental reception of the means inside leads to a malfunction of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidney pathologies, even a lethal outcome is possible.
[6]
Interactions with other drugs
Interactions with other external drugs can lead to unpredictable effects.
[7]
Shelf life
Shelf life of boric acid is 3 years from the date of production, 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, with pregnancy and child: is it possible and how much to drip?" 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.