II. Background
- Boric Acid is a boron compound used as an Insecticide (rodents, ants), as well as a topical disinfectant
- Related Borates have been used in mouthwash and toothpaste
- Borates are also used in industrial products (glazes, enamels, glass fibers)
III. Mechanism: Poisoning
- Poisoning is typically by ingestion, but may also be absorbed via abraded skin
- Mitochondrial injury by boron hydroxyl complexes
- Ingestion <100 mg is typically asymptomatic
- Severe symptoms at >50 mg/kg
- Lethal dose: 15-20 g (2-3 g for infant)
- Renal Excretion
- Half-Life: 10-20 hours
- Volume of Distribution: 0.17 to 0.5 L/kg
IV. Findings: Poisoning
- Cardiovascular Effects
- Neurologic Effects
- Headache
- Lethargy to Coma
- Lightheadedness
- Irritabilty
- Seizure
- Gastrointestinal Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting (blue-green appearance)
- Diarrhea (blue-green appearance)
- Abdominal Pain
- Mucositis
- Dermatologic Effects
- Diffuse skin erythema over face, axilla, inguinal region
- Rash progresses to Desquamation
- Renal Effects
- Acute Kidney Injury with Anuria (due to Acute Tubular Necrosis)
V. Labs
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- Boric Acid Levels
- Measured in urine and whole blood
VI. Management
- See Unknown Ingestion
-
Decontamination
- Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water (topical exposure)
- Consider Activated Charcoal (ingestion)
- ABC Management
-
Intravenous Fluid
- Promotes more rapid excretion
- Vasopressors (e.g. Norepinephrine) indicated in Hypotension refractory to Intravenous Fluids
-
Hemodialysis Indications
- Severe Toxicity
- Acute Kidney Injury with Anuria
- Upper Endoscopy Indications
- Large ingestion with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
VII. References
- Tomaszewski (2021) Crit Dec Emerg Med 35(2): 28
- Leikin (1995) Poisoning and Toxicology, Lexicomp, p. 870-1
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| Definition (NCI) | A weakly acidic hydrate of boric oxide with mild antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The exact mechanism of action of boric acid is unknown; generally cytotoxic to all cells. It is used in the treatment of yeast infections and cold sores. |
| Definition (CSP) | borates; derivatives of boric acid either B(OH)3 or, preferably H3BO3. |
| Concepts | Pharmacologic Substance (T121) , Inorganic Chemical (T197) |
| MSH | C032688 |
| SnomedCT | 83498007, 21611007, 346349006 |
| English | boric acid, orthoboric acid, Orthoboric Acid, Boric acid otic agent, otic preparations boric acid, boric acid (otic) (medication), boric acid (otic), boric acid otic, boric acid [Chemical/Ingredient], BORIC ACID, acid boric, boric, boracic acid, Boric Acid, boric Acid, Boric acid, Boracic acid, Boric acid otic preparation, Orthoboric acid, Boric acid (substance), Boric acid otic agent (substance), Boric acid product (product), Boric acid product, Boric acid otic preparation (substance), Boric acid product (substance) |
| Spanish | producto con ácido bórico (producto), ácido bórico (producto), producto con ácido bórico, preparado ótico de ácido bórico (sustancia), preparado ótico de ácido bórico, ácido borácico, ácido bórico (sustancia), ácido bórico, ácido ortobórico |
Ontology: boric acid toxicity (C2062720)
| Concepts | Injury or Poisoning (T037) |
| English | boric acid toxicity (diagnosis), boric acid toxicity, toxicity from boric acid |
