boric acid vaginal suppository

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Actions: 

boric acid alters the pH in the vagina, creating an unfavorable environment for Candida growth. It helps restore the natural acidic balance and inhibit yeast growth. boric acid suppositories are often used when other treatment options have failed or in recurrent infections resistant to conventional therapies.  

Spectrum: 

boric acid exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and some parasites. It disrupts these microorganisms’ pH balance and cell membrane integrity, leading to their inhibition or death. 

boric acid suppositories can help restore the vaginal pH to its average acidic level, which inhibits the growth of the bacteria associated with BV. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Watery discharge from the vagina 

Redness 

Mild burning 

Gritty vaginal sensation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Pregnancy 
• Severe renal impairment 

Cautions: 

• Advanced age or compromised immune system  
• Pre-existing medical conditions 
• Concurrent use of other medications 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the secretion of the drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show fetal risks in the first or later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: No data for the drug under this category is available. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

boric acid exhibits antimicrobial properties against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It disrupts the cell membrane of these microorganisms, altering their pH levels, and inhibiting their growth and reproduction.  

Pharmacodynamics: 

boric acid helps to regulate the vaginal pH balance. It creates an acidic environment in the vagina, which is unfavorable for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.  

boric acid vaginal suppositories primarily treat vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and recurrent vaginal yeast infections. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of boric acid help to eliminate or suppress the causative microorganisms, restoring the normal vaginal microbiota and pH balance. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After insertion, boric acid is gradually released from the suppository and absorbed through the vaginal mucosa. The absorption rate can vary among individuals and depends on various factors, such as the formulation of the suppository and the condition of the vaginal mucosa.  

Distribution 

Once absorbed, boric acid can distribute throughout the body, although most remains localized within the vaginal tissues. It does not extensively enter the systemic circulation and has minimal systemic distribution.  

Metabolism 

boric acid is not significantly metabolized in the body. It undergoes limited biotransformation and primarily remains in its original form.  

Elimination and Excretion 

boric acid is primarily eliminated through renal excretion. After absorption, it enters the bloodstream and is filtered by the kidneys. The exact elimination half-life of boric acid in the body needs to be well-established, but it is generally considered to be relatively short. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

choline C11 is administered intravenously for use in PET imaging. It is injected directly into the bloodstream, and the dosage is determined based on factors such as the patient’s weight and the imaging protocol. The timing of administration is critical to ensure sufficient distribution and uptake of the radiotracer before the imaging procedure takes place.  

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  boric acid vaginal suppository 

Why do we use boric acid vaginal suppositories? 

boric acid vaginal suppositories treat bacterial/fungal infections and vulvovaginitis. They are composed of boric acid, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. When the infection does not respond to other treatment routes, then these suppositories are considered.