Generic name: boric acid (ophthalmic) [ BOR-ik-AS-id-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Collyrium Fresh
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives
Boric acid has mild antibiotic properties against fungal or bacterial infection.
Boric acid ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used as an eye wash to cleanse or irrigate the eyes. Boric acid provides soothing relief from eye irritation, and helps remove pollutants from the eye such as smog, chlorine, or other chemicals.
Boric acid ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to boric acid.
Avoid using this medication if you have any open wound or other skin injury around your eyes.
Boric acid ophthalmic is for use only in the eyes. Do not allow the medicine to get in your mouth, nose, or ears. Avoid getting this medication on any skin wound or abrasion.
Do not use boric acid ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using boric acid ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
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 boric acid.
Boric acid is a weak antibiotic and should not be used to treat any type of infection without the advice of a doctor. There are many other, more effective antibiotics available.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to boric acid.
Avoid using this medication if you have any open wound or other skin injury around your eyes.
Boric acid is a weak antibiotic and should not be used to treat any type of infection without the advice of a doctor. There are many other, more effective antibiotics available.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Boric acid is usually given using an eye cup.
Use only a clean or sterile eye cup. Avoid touching the rim of the eye cup with your fingers while you are using it.
It may be best to use this medicine while standing over a sink or eye wash fountain.
Fill the eye cup about half way with boric acid ophthalmic solution. Bend your head forward and bring the cup to your eye. Press it tightly to your face around the eye. Then tilt your head back and open your eye wide.
Move the eye around in all directions to allow the boric acid to cleanse the eyeball thoroughly.
While still pressing the cup to your eye, bend forward over a sink. Remove the eye cup from your face and empty it into the sink. Allow any remaining boric acid solution to drain from your eye into the sink.
Repeat this procedure with your other eye if needed.
After using this medication, pat the skin dry around your eye using a clean tissue or towel. Do not rub your eyelids with the tissue or towel, or apply it directly to your eye.
Store boric acid ophthalmic at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep boric acid ophthalmic solution in its sealed container until you are ready to use it.
Since boric acid ophthalmic is used only when needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. If your condition does not improve after using boric acid ophthalmic, ask your doctor before using a second dose of this medication.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of boric acid ophthalmic is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms.
Do not use boric acid ophthalmic while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using boric acid ophthalmic before putting your contact lenses in.
Boric acid ophthalmic is for use only in the eyes. Do not allow the medicine to get in your mouth, nose, or ears. Avoid getting this medication on any skin wound or abrasion.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 boric acid.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website boric acid pink eye.
Less serious side effects may include:
mild stinging or eye irritation;
blurred vision;
watery eyes; or
eye redness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Avoid using boric acid together with a contact lens wetting solution, or any other ophthalmic solution that contains polyvinyl alcohol.
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on boric acid applied to the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medical Disclaimer
Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision Date: 2010-12-15, 5:01:39 PM.
Have you ever seen boric powder being used in your household to treat pink eye? Do you think it works? Read on to find out if safety of boric acid eye wash for conjunctivitis.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is a prevalent eye condition that can cause discomfort and irritation. Over the years, numerous home remedies have emerged as potential treatments for pink eye. One such remedy that has stood the test of time, according to my mom, is boric acid eye wash. My mom told me that she has seen boric acid in the form of eye drops being used for many years to treat conjunctivitis. Passed down through generations, this natural solution has gained popularity for its purported benefits. Let’s see if the experts think boric acid eye wash to treat conjunctivitis to be a safe treatment or not.
Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants. The condition is characterized by redness, itchiness, watering, discharge and sometimes, blurry vision. While conjunctivitis often resolves on its own within a few days, treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of infection.
Also read: Eye problems: Is it an allergy or pink eye?
As Health Shots reached out to Dr Harshwardhan Ghorpade, Cornea, Cataract & Refractive Surgeon, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi-A Fortis Network Hospital, he explained that boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a mild acid derived from the mineral boron. It has been widely used in non-prescription antiseptics and astringents due to its gentle yet effective properties. Boric acid eye washes, typically formulated as isotonic solutions, contain a low concentration of boric acid (around 0.02%), purified water, sodium chloride, and other ingredients.
Here are some of the benefits of using boric acid wash to treat conjunctivitis as explained by Dr Ghorpade:
1. Antiseptic Properties: Boric acid eye washes possess mild antiseptic properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of mild eye infections.
2. Compatibility with Eye Tonicity: The composition of boric acid eye wash drops is similar to the natural chemistry of the eyes. This makes it suitable for irrigation without disrupting the essential chemicals present in eye fluid.
3. Acts as a Buffering Agent: Boric acid acts as a buffering agent, maintaining the pH balance of the eye wash solution. This allows for the incorporation of other active or inactive ingredients without altering its pH level.
Also read: My mom says using gulab jal for eyes can keep them clean and healthy
Boric acid eye washes are useful for rinsing foreign substances from the eyes, such as chlorinated water, dust, smoke, chemicals, and smog. They can also provide relief from eye irritation caused by eye allergies, dry eye syndrome (xerophthalmia), conjunctivitis (pink eye) infections, and Sjögren syndrome, which can cause dry eyes.
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PERSONALISE NOW“It is important to note that boric acid eye washes do not treat the underlying cause of conjunctivitis; they just primarily provide relief from symptoms,” says Dr Ghorpade. He further explains that while boric acid does possess antibacterial and antifungal properties, its effectiveness at such low concentrations is limited. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment if you suspect an eye infection.
Before using a boric acid eye wash for conjunctivitis, it is essential to keep the following considerations in mind:
1. Remove contact lenses: Prior to using an eye wash, remove contact lenses to avoid potential adverse effects. Some solutions may contain preservatives that can be absorbed by the lenses, causing discoloration. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye wash before reinserting your contacts.
2. Avoid open wounds or sores: If there are sores or open wounds in or around the eyes, it is best to avoid using the boric acid eye wash in those areas.
3. Check expiration date: Never use an eye wash that is cloudy or past its expiration date, as it may not be effective and could potentially cause further irritation.
All said and done, boric acid eye wash should not be seen as an effective treatment to treat conjunctivitis. These eye washes can provide temporary relief from symptoms and aid in rinsing foreign substances. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of conjunctivitis. They can provide expert advice and recommend suitable medications or therapies to address the specific cause of the condition.
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