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Boric Acid: What does it do?
Boric acid is a chemical substance with mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral
properties.
Boric acid is commonly used in the form of suppositories inserted in the vagina to treat yeast infection. In one study of 100 women with
chronic yeast vaginitis that had failed to
respond to treatment with over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medicines, 98% of the women successfully
treated their infections with boric acid
capsules inserted into the vagina twice per day for two to four weeks.1 Several
commercial douching products contain boric acid.
The antiseptic activity of boric acid is also used in commercial "artificial tears" and
eyewash products.
Boric acid also has antiviral activity. Topical application of diluted boric acid, in the
form of sodium borate ointment, has been found to shorten the duration of cold sores in a double-blind trial.2 The
duration of cold sores was approximately four days in the group receiving boric acid, compared
with six days in the placebo group.
Where is Boric Acid found?
Boric acid is a white, odorless powder or crystalline substance that is available in many
over-the-counter pharmaceutical products for topical use, alone as a topical antiseptic, and
in suppository form.
Who is likely to be deficient of Boric Acid?
Boric acid is not taken internally and is not a nutrient; no deficiency exists.
How much Boric Acid is usually taken?
Boric acid is available in powder form from a pharmacy, without a prescription. This powder
can be packed into an empty gelatin capsule and used as a suppository. For women with vaginitis, some doctors recommend that one such
capsule, containing 600 mg of boric acid, be inserted into the vagina each night for two
weeks. Some health food stores have suppositories that contain a combination of boric acid and
herbs.
In the trial studying cold sores, an
ointment diluted to 4% boric acid was applied four times per day. Because of the potential
toxicity of such a preparation, people should consult their doctors before using boric
acid.
Are there any side effects or interactions with Boric Acid?
Boric acid suppositories should not be used during pregnancy. Boric acid is very toxic when taken
internally and should also never be used on open
wounds. When boric acid enters the body, it can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, kidney damage, acute failure of
the circulatory system, and even death. In the past, boric acid was used as a topical
treatment for infants with diaper rash. However, even in diluted (3%) form it caused
significant toxicity and two deaths.3 Therefore, boric acid should not be applied
to the skin of infants and small children. In fact, experts in the field have stated,
“The minor therapeutic value of this compound, in comparison with its potential as a
poison, has led to the general recommendation that it no longer be used as a therapeutic
agent.”4 However, in more recent research, no serious side effects were
reported when boric acid was used as a treatment for vaginitis.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with boric acid.
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter
medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or
pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before
making any changes in prescribed medications.
References:
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