Boric acid is a chemical substance with mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral
properties.
Where is it 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.
Boric acid has been used
in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Boric acid is not taken internally and is not a nutrient; no deficiency exists.
How much 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?
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.1 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.”2 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.
References:1. Penna RP, Corrigan LL, Welsh J, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription
Drugs, 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1979, 424
[review].
2. Penna RP, Corrigan LL, Welsh J, et al. Handbook of Nonprescription
Drugs, 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association, 1979, 424
[review].