What is boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
How should I take boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
What happens if I miss a dose of boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
Where can I get more information about boric acid (ophthalmic)?
Your pharmacist has information about boric acid (ophthalmic) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
Less serious side effects may include:
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.
What is the most important information I should know about boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
What should I avoid while taking boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
What other drugs will affect boric acid (ophthalmic)?
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.
What happens if I have an overdose of boric acid (ophthalmic)?