boric acid

Generic name: boric acid (ophthalmic) [ BOR-ik-AS-id-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Collyrium Fresh
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-infectives

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 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 discuss with my health care 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?

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.

What happens if I overdose?

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.

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.

Boric acid ophthalmic side effects

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:

• 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.

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.

Further information

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.