Presentation
A discussion of the history of the use of boric acid by the medical profession follows the patient presentation. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Entire Body System
- Weakness
‘In addition, saline soils often have toxic concentrations of the weak acid, boric acid, whose mechanism of both transport and toxicity remain unknown.’ [en.oxforddictionaries.com]
Use only weak solu- tions. Irritant to skin in dry form. Potential Exposure Boric acid is a fireproofing agent for wood; a preservative, and an antiseptic. [chemicalbook.com]
Chemical properties: Boric acid is a weak monobasic acid, and is considered a Lewis acid. It dissolves in boiling water and in anhydrous sulfuric acid. [softschools.com]
Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers a white, crystalline compound, H 3 BO 3, with the properties of a weak acid, used as a mild antiseptic and in the manufacture of glass, enamels, flame retardants, etc. [collinsdictionary.com]
[…] wares • As a condensing agent, chemical intermediate and as a precursor for preparation of borates and other boron based compounds • As a water coolant in nuclear reactors • In electrolytic condensers and capacitors 1 General description Boric acid is a weak [sigmaaldrich.com]
- Pain
It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Aspirin also reduces fever. Rectal aspirin is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. [emedicinehealth.com]
A mixture containing 3 g of boric acid and 300 mg of cinchocaine chloride prescribed due to painful dental protrusion was accidentally ingested by a 12-month-old girl. She developed violent vomiting and coughing. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Boric acid can produce toxic symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain in humans upon excessive intake. Animal studies indicate that ingestion of large amount of boric acid may cause adverse reproductive and developmental effects. [cfs.gov.hk]
- Inflammation
[…] alteration of the basal layer, scattered intraepidermal apoptotic keratinocytes, parakeratosis with alternating layers of orthokeratosis and considerable superficial exfoliation; accompanying dermal changes included vasodilatation and mild perivascular inflammation [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation. Aspirin also reduces fever. Rectal aspirin is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. [emedicinehealth.com]
- Fever
Although in the general ward the patient's fever persisted and nausea, vomiting and headache often recurred, possibly because of an insufficient dose of furosemide, the patient's condition steadily improved over the 64 h after admission. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Aspirin also reduces fever. Rectal aspirin is used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Aspirin is also used to treat the symptoms of arthritis and rheumatic fever. doxycycline (Vibramycin) Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. [emedicinehealth.com]
Symptoms of boric acid poisoning include bluish green vomit, a bright red rash on the skin, blisters, drowsiness, fever and diarrhea. [livestrong.com]
- Weight Loss
After the pressure-impregnation of a water borne solution containing 9.78 mol/L of boron, the fire properties were evaluated by cone calorimeter (CCM) and weight loss (WL). [doi.org]
Nutritional and Gross Metabolic - weight loss or decreased weight gain Related to Chronic Data - changes in testicular weight TYPE OF TEST : TDLo - Lowest published toxic dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Oral SPECIES OBSERVED : Rodent - rat DOSE/DURATION : 68 [chemsrc.com]
Rabbits given boric acid at 800 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 days showed anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhoea; 850 and 1000 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 days caused 100% mortality (Draize & Kelley, 1959). [inchem.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Vomiting
On admission, he had vomiting, diarrhea, and hiccups. Laboratory data was diagnostic of acute renal failure. Hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion were performed in series. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
TYPE OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Oral SPECIES OBSERVED : Human - woman DOSE/DURATION : 200 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - fluid intake Gastrointestinal - hypermotility, diarrhea Gastrointestinal - nausea or vomiting [chemsrc.com]
- Nausea
[…] or vomiting TYPE OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Oral SPECIES OBSERVED : Human - woman DOSE/DURATION : 200 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - fluid intake Gastrointestinal - hypermotility, diarrhea Gastrointestinal - nausea [chemsrc.com]
Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps were rather common. Systemic effects were notably absent in acute ingestions. Five of three hundred sixty-four patients had measured serum levels and were the only ones hospitalized. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Diarrhea
On admission, he had vomiting, diarrhea, and hiccups. Laboratory data was diagnostic of acute renal failure. Hemodialysis and charcoal hemoperfusion were performed in series. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Gastrointestinal - nausea or vomiting TYPE OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Oral SPECIES OBSERVED : Human - woman DOSE/DURATION : 200 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - fluid intake Gastrointestinal - hypermotility, diarrhea [chemsrc.com]
Cardiovascular
- Cyanosis
hypermotility, diarrhea TYPE OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Oral SPECIES OBSERVED : Mammal - dog DOSE/DURATION : 1780 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Brain and Coverings - meningeal changes Lungs, Thorax, or Respiration - cyanosis [chemsrc.com]
In severe cases, shock with fall in arterial pressure, tachycardia (increase in heart rate) and cyanosis (blue skin colour) may occur. [web.archive.org]
Toxic signs in dogs given boric acid (0.2-2.0 g/kg body weight) orally in combination with subcutaneous morphine to prevent vomiting were cyanosis of mucous membranes, red-violet skin colour, rigidity of legs, convulsion, and shock-like syndrome (Pfeiffer [inchem.org]
- Hypotension
Two days later, he presented to the hospital with hypotension, metabolic acidosis, oliguric renal failure, a generalized erythematous rash, and several superficial skin abrasions. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Eyes
- Eye Pain
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as severe burning or stinging of your eyes, severe eye pain, vision changes that last for several hours after use, or if your eye condition does not improve or if it gets worse after using [drugs.com]
Of course, you should also see a doctor if you experience any eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye after using a boric acid eyewash. [draxe.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Muscle Cramp
Other symptoms (primarily CNS and cutaneous) occurred in six or fewer cases: lethargy, rash, headache, light-headedness, fever, irritability, and muscle cramps. The average dose ingested estimated from 659 cases was 1.4 g (range 0.010-88.8 g). [inchem.org]
Skin
- Dermatitis
Acquired stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC) may occur because of chronic external otitis, recurrent chronic catarrhal otitis media associated with tympanic membrane perforation, chronic dermatitis, tumors, and trauma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Effects of long-term or repeated exposure Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the testes. Animal tests show that this substance possibly causes toxicity to human reproduction or development. [inchem.org]
But if boric acid enters the bloodstream through a cut, the potential for side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis and kidney damage increases. [livestrong.com]
OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Administration onto the skin SPECIES OBSERVED : Human - infant DOSE/DURATION : 1200 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - convulsions or effect on seizure threshold Skin and Appendages - dermatitis [chemsrc.com]
- Alopecia
He subsequently developed erythema of both palms as well as alopecia totalis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Chronic intoxication with boric acid may give rise to anorexia, loss of strength, confusion and loss of hair (alopecia). Reproductive effects, such as low sperm count, were seen in men exposed to boron over the long-term. [web.archive.org]
Stein KM, Odom RB, Justice GR, & Martin GC (1973) Toxic alopecia from ingestion of boric acid. Arch Dermatol, 108: 95-97. Stelter LH (1980) Baseline levels of selected trace elements in Colorado oil shale region animals. J Wildl Dis, 16: 175-182. [inchem.org]
- Flushing
Launder contaminated clothing before reuse.If in eyes: Flush with large amounts of water, lifting upper and lower lids occasionally. [ebay.com]
Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. [cameochemicals.noaa.gov]
WITH electrolytes, or you'll flush electrolytes right out of your system and cause much worse issues than you can possibly imagine. How do you know if you are drinking just enough fluids? If your urine has a super light yellow tint to it. [earthclinic.com]
- Sweating
In powder form, boric acid can reduce sweating that leads to foot odor. It helps cure athlete’s foot and vaginal yeast infections. When mixed with distilled water, boric acid can be used as an antiseptic to treat minor cuts and burns. [ask.com]
Small amounts are also excreted into sweat, saliva, and feces. Following administration as ointment, urinary excretion of boric acid accounted for only 1% of the administered dose 4. [drugbank.ca]
- Chronic Dermatitis
Acquired stenosis of the external auditory canal (EAC) may occur because of chronic external otitis, recurrent chronic catarrhal otitis media associated with tympanic membrane perforation, chronic dermatitis, tumors, and trauma. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Face, Head & Neck
- Facial Redness
Doxycycline will not treat facial redness caused by rosacea. [emedicinehealth.com]
Urogenital
- Oliguria
However, boric acid has potentially fatal actions such as hypotension, metabolic acidosis and oliguria. Death may result from circulation collapse and shock. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
The kidneys (producing oliguria (small volume of urine), albuminuria (presence of albumin in the urine), anuria (absence of or defective excretion of urine)) and, rarely, the liver (jaundice) may also be involved. [web.archive.org]
Neurologic
- Irritability
Effects of short-term exposure The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract. May cause mechanical irritation to the eyes. The substance may cause effects on the central nervous system and kidneys. This may result in impaired functions. [inchem.org]
‘Poison baits, boric acid, and traps are preferred to chemical agents because the latter can be irritating when inhaled by asthma patients.’ [en.oxforddictionaries.com]
Irritability, tremor, seizures and a delirious reaction. She was treated with diazepam, intubated, sedated and ventilated. Her diuresis was stimulated with furosemide and fluid. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- Headache
Among all patients, the only symptoms remaining 72 hours after the meal were mild headache, fatigue, and peeling skin. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury. citalopram (Celexa) Citalopram is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called [emedicinehealth.com]
Side effects from boric acid may include skin inflammation, irritability, headaches and depression. Medical Contraindications Pregnant women should not take boric acid. The supplement may cause birth defects to the unborn baby. [livestrong.com]
- Seizure
We report 7 infants suffering from seizures induced by chronic boric acid ingestion. The boric acid was given by dipping a soother in a proprietary borax and honey mixture. The babies have remained well since the mixture was withheld. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
As the condition worsens, a person may develop a fever, blisters on the skin, seizures, a coma, decreased blood pressure, sloughing of the skin and a coma. It is important to keep boric acid well labeled and out of the reach of children. [livestrong.com]
[…] reported other than lethal dose value TYPE OF TEST : LDLo - Lowest published lethal dose ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Administration onto the skin SPECIES OBSERVED : Human - infant DOSE/DURATION : 1200 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - convulsions or effect on seizure [chemsrc.com]
Google Scholar Gordon A S, Prichard J S and Freedman MH 1973 Seizure disorders and anaemia associated with chronic borax intoxication. Can. Med. Assoc J. 108, 719-721. Google Scholar Gordon V (Ed) 1987 The case of the toxic life-preserver. [doi.org]
- Tremor
Irritability, tremor, seizures and a delirious reaction. She was treated with diazepam, intubated, sedated and ventilated. Her diuresis was stimulated with furosemide and fluid. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Behavioral - ataxia Nutritional and Gross Metabolic - body temperature decrease TYPE OF TEST : LD50 - Lethal dose, 50 percent kill ROUTE OF EXPOSURE : Intravenous SPECIES OBSERVED : Rodent - rat DOSE/DURATION : 1330 mg/kg TOXIC EFFECTS : Behavioral - tremor [chemsrc.com]
Ingestion or absorption through the skin can cause nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and persistent vomiting (vomitus and faeces may sometimes contain blood), which may be accompanied by headache and weakness, lethargy, restlessness, tremors, intermittent [web.archive.org]
- Excitement
Then the carrom pucks move much faster, making the game very exciting! But there is a lot more to boric acid. In many industries, it is mixed with vegetable oils to make a very effective lubricant. [web.archive.org]
Treatment
Self-administration of treatment intravaginally for 10 days will be followed by clinical assessment at 7 and 30 days (days 17 and 40, respectively) after the end of the treatment phase. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Etiology
This report emphasizes the need to recognize agents that contain boric acid as an etiology of unexplained delirium and profound shock. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Epidemiology
However, boron mediated reprotoxic effects have not been proven in epidemiological studies so far. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that non- albicans Candida spp. are more resistant to conventional antifungal treatment with azoles and are considered as causative pathogens of vulvovaginal candidiasis. [doi.org]
Luoto, National Public Health Institute, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion, Helsinki, Finland Dr F.H. [inchem.org]
Prevention
OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine the efficacy of a topical long-term treatment with boric acid versus an oral long-term treatment (itraconazole) in the cure and prevention of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Alendronate slows bone loss while increasing bone mass, which may prevent bone fractures. Alendronate is used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis and steroid-induced osteoporosis. [emedicinehealth.com]
‘Vacuum the boric acid up 24 hours later and it is said to prevent fleas for 1 year or until your carpets are shampooed.’ ‘And rid your home of fleas in carpets by sprinkling and brushing a salt and boric acid compound into carpets.’ [en.oxforddictionaries.com]