Eye Wash

Drug overview for EYE WASH (sodium borate/boric acid/water/sodium chloride):

Generic name: SODIUM BORATE/BORIC ACID/WATER/SODIUM CHLORIDE
Drug class:
Therapeutic class: Ophthalmic Agents

Boric acid is a weak topical anti-infective agent, buffer (when combined with sodium borate), and, in solution, an irrigant.

Aqueous solutions of boric acid are used topically for ophthalmic irrigation to cleanse, refresh, and soothe irritated eyes. Aqueous solutions of boric acid also are used for removal of loose foreign material, air pollutants (e.g., smog, pollen), or chlorinated water. Boric acid also is used in combination with sodium borate as a buffer in topical and ophthalmic preparations.

For topical uses of boric acid, see 84:04.16.

DRUG IMAGES

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The following indications for EYE WASH (sodium borate/boric acid/water/sodium chloride) have been approved by the FDA:

Indications:
None.

Professional Synonyms:
None.

The following dosing information is available for EYE WASH (sodium borate/boric acid/water/sodium chloride):

Dosing
Administration
Dosing Information
Generic

For irrigation of irritated eyes and for removal of loose foreign material, air pollutants, or chlorinated water, an eyecup is filled halfway with the irrigating solution (Collyrium(R) for Fresh Eyes) and pressed tightly to the eye. The head must be tilted backward, the eye opened wide, and the eyeball rotated to ensure thorough bathing with the irrigating solution. The eyecup must be rinsed with clean water immediately before and after each use.

The manufacturer's labeling should be consulted for additional information on proper use and storage of the eyecup.

Boric acid and sodium borate may be used as a buffer to maintain an approximate pH in various extemporaneous topical or ophthalmic formulations; sodium chloride is added to make the buffer isotonic. Addition of the following concentrations of the drugs should generally produce a solution buffered to the approximate pH listed:

Table 1. Modified Palitzch Borate Buffer

pH Boric Acid g/100 Sodium Borate Decahydrate mL g/100 mL Sodium Chloride To Make Isotonic g/100 mL 6.77 1.200 0.057

0.28 7.09 1.166

0.114 0.27 7.36

1.116 0.191 0.26

7.60 1.054 0.287

0.25 7.78 0.992

0.382 0.24 7.94

0.930 0.478 0.23

8.08 0.868 0.573

0.22 8.20 0.796

0.669 0.22 8.41

0.682 0.860 0.20

8.60 0.558 1.051

0.18 8.69 0.496

1.146 0.17 8.84

0.372 1.337 0.15

8.98 0.248 1.528

0.15 9.11 0.124

1.720 0.12

Adapted from Schumacher GE. Buffer formulations. Am J Hosp Pharm.

1966; 23:628-9. (CR) The American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. 1966.

Boric acid is applied topically to the eye in the form of a solution. Boric acid ophthalmic solution is available as an irrigating solution; the irrigating solution is applied to the eye with the aid of an eyecup. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating the rim and interior surfaces of the eyecup.

Boric acid ophthalmic solutions are available in sealed containers; prior to initial use, the caps should be removed and containers squeezed. Boric acid ophthalmic solutions should be discarded if the solutions are discolored or become cloudy, or leaks are found. Patients should be warned to keep boric acid ophthalmic solutions out of reach of children.

No dosing information available.

No generic dosing information available.

More Frequent	Less Frequent
Ocular irritation	None.

Rare/Very Rare
None.

The following precautions are available for EYE WASH (sodium borate/boric acid/water/sodium chloride):

Pediatric
Pregnant
Lactation
Geriatric

No enhanced Pediatric Use information available for this drug.

Contraindicated

None

Severe Precaution

None

Management or Monitoring Precaution

None

No enhanced Pregnancy information available for this drug.

No enhanced Lactation information available for this drug.

No enhanced Geriatric Use information available for this drug.