From the Guidelines
Boric acid is utilized in medicine as an antifungal and antiseptic agent, commonly employed in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections, particularly for non-albicans Candida species and azole-resistant strains 1. It is available in various formulations, including suppositories and creams, with typical dosages ranging from 600-1200 mg per day for 7-14 days 1. Notably, boric acid is the active ingredient in medications such as Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories, which are often prescribed for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, with a recommended dose of 600 mg intravaginally once daily for 7-10 days 1.
Key Uses
- Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by non-albicans Candida species, such as C. glabrata 1
- Treatment of azole-resistant Candida albicans infections 1
- Treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis 1
Dosage and Administration
Important Considerations
- Pregnancy: use with caution, as fluconazole may be associated with spontaneous abortion and craniofacial and heart defects 1
- HIV infection: treatment measures are identical to those for women without HIV infection 1
From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • treats vaginal yeast infections • relieves itching and discomfort due to vaginal yeast infection The medical uses of boric acid are:
- Treatment of vaginal yeast infections
- Relief of itching and discomfort due to vaginal yeast infection 2
From the Research
Medical Uses of Boric Acid
The medical uses of boric acid include:
- Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent vaginal candidiasis 3, 4, 5, 6
- Treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) 7
- Alternative treatment for women with recurrent and chronic symptoms of vaginitis when conventional treatment fails due to non-albicans Candida spp. or azole-resistant strains 4
Antifungal Mechanisms
Boric acid has been shown to have antifungal mechanisms, including:
- Inhibition of oxidative metabolism 3
- Interference with the development of biofilm and hyphal transformation 3
- Fungistatic to fungicidal activity depending on concentration and temperature 3
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of boric acid in treating VVC and BV, with cure rates ranging from 40% to 100% 4, 5, 6, 7
- A study comparing boric acid to fluconazole found similar cure rates and efficacy in preventing recurrence of VVC 5
- A study using a novel boric acid-based vaginal anti-infective (TOL-463) found high clinical cure rates for both BV and VVC 7
Safety and Tolerability
Boric acid has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, including vaginal burning sensation, water discharge, and vaginal erythema 4, 6, 7