Death from boric acid suppositories – Does it occur?

Some forms of vaginal infections have been treated with the chemical boric acid. It comes in a variety of forms, including suppositories that you insert into your vagina.

You may have heard that exposure to boric acid can cause serious illness or even death. Because of this, you might be unsure about the safety of using boric acid suppositories.

Boric acid suppositories have not been linked to any fatalities. While vaginal applications of boric acid are thought to be safe, oral ingestion of the substance can be harmful.

To discover more about the safety of boric acid suppositories, keep reading.

Are suppositories containing boric acid harmful?

Boric acid suppositories can have minor adverse effects, although no fatalities or significant complications have been reported.

Inserting a boric acid suppository that is intended for vaginal administration into the vagina is widely regarded as safe. However, swallowing one is extremely harmful.

Is boric acid harmful?

Boric acid is poisonous and potentially fatal when taken by mouth. Accidental intake of boric acid has been documented to cause deaths in both adults and children.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted in a 2011 statement after consuming roughly 30 grams of boric acid over a short period of time, it becomes toxic to people and can eventually lead to death.

This is substantially greater than the average 600 mg of boric acid found in a boric acid suppository.

Suppositories run the danger of being mistakenly ingested because they may resemble a medication that you take orally.

How precisely does boric acid function?

The mechanism through which boric acid treats vaginal infections is unknown. It is thought that it might function by obstructing bacterial and fungal growth.

Additionally, it might stop these organisms from developing biofilms. Microorganisms are arranged in a sticky matrix to form biofilms. Some types of drugs can make it more difficult to treat organisms that have established biofilms.

How quickly do suppositories with boric acid work?

Even though you might feel better after just one day, you should finish the entire course of treatment to prevent the illness from coming back. Consider inserting capsules twice daily for 6 to 14 days if your infection is especially severe.

Death from boric and suppositories

Have suppositories containing boric acid caused any fatalities? Although there haven’t been any fatalities linked to using boric acid suppositories. It is unsafe for people to consume boric acid. Chronic or acute boric acid poisoning is also possible.

When people consume boric acid in powder form, acute poisoning happens. When people are exposed to boric acid repeatedly, chronic toxicity happens.

Significant body damage can result from ingesting significant amounts of boric acid in many different ways. After ingesting boric acid, damage to the esophagus and stomach lasts for several weeks. It could take up to several months before a patient passes away from such complications.

According to estimates based on unintentional poisonings, the minimum oral fatal doses of boric acid for humans are between 5 and 20 grams for adults, 3-6 grams for kids, and 5 grams for babies. Boric acid should only be administered as a vaginal suppository because ingesting it orally can be lethal.

Why do individuals use suppositories with boric acid?

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are two examples of recurrent vaginal infections that have been treated with boric acid, either by itself or in combination with other drugs. (An infection that keeps coming back after treatment is called a recurrent infection.)

A 2011 review of the literature examined 14 studies that contrasted boric acid with other therapies for recurring yeast infections. Clinical trials, case series, and case studies were among the studies that were included. According to the study, boric acid had a cure rate ranging from 40 to 100 percent.

What are the side effects of using boric acid vaginal suppositories?

Boric acid suppositories have a few negative effects that are related to their use. These are often minor, and they can consist of:

• stinging
• vaginal redness
• watery discharge

When using boric acid suppositories to treat a vaginal infection, discontinue using them if you have severe discomfort, and speak with your doctor about other possible treatments.

Additionally, speak with your doctor about other treatment options if, despite using boric acid suppositories, your illness doesn’t improve or worsen.

Who shouldn’t use suppositories containing boric acid?

Boric acid suppositories should be avoided if you are (because research into the substance’s effects on reproduction is ongoing):

• breastfeeding or expecting to become pregnant

Moreover, refrain from using suppositories containing boric acid if you:

• present bleeding from the vagina, open wounds, or sores around your vagina.
• have an STI or pelvic inflammatory illness, or have reason to believe you do
• presently experiencing symptoms, such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting, that could point to a more serious condition
• possess underlying medical issues, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system
• are currently taking a blood thinner

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why boric acid might not be a sustainable choice

Many individuals think that using boric acid to treat vaginal infections is more environmentally friendly because it occurs naturally in the environment. But that’s not totally accurate.

The mining of minerals with a high boron content is one of the primary sources of boron and boric acid. Mining not only uses a lot of resources, but it also has the potential to pollute the environment.

Boric acid: What is it?

Usually, boric acid takes the form of a white powder with no smell. In 1873, boric acid was first applied as an antibacterial. It has since been used to treat a variety of vaginal infections.

It is naturally present in the surroundings: water, plants, soil, and rocks.

Additionally, boric acid is a component of numerous commercial goods, including insecticides, goods for personal care, detergents, pesticides, plant fertilizers, household cleaning products, etc.

Summary

Some types of recurrent vaginal infections can be treated with suppositories containing boric acid. Examples include bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.

It is generally safe to use boric acid suppositories as directed. Mild side effects could cause vaginal itchiness and discharge. There have been no reports of fatalities or major negative effects.

However, ingesting boric acid by mouth is dangerous. The symptoms of boric acid poisoning can be severe and even lethal. As a result, to prevent accidental ingestion, always keep boric acid suppositories apart from oral medications.

Some individuals should refrain from using boric acid suppositories. Consult your doctor first if you’re considering taking boric acid suppositories or if you have any questions or concerns.