Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1

Pharmacy & Chemistry of Medicinals 1

Experiment No. 3
BORIC ACID SOLUTION
Questions for Research
1. Why is the solution not to be chilled?
A high concentration already nears saturation and boric acid tends to
crystallize out with a slight drop in temperature. This represents a danger and
solutions should be warmed or diluted before use in order to dissolve the
crystals.
2. Why is the ointment form not used anymore in the treatment of
burns and diaper rash?
Topically, concentrated solutions of boric acid precipitate the formation of a
desquamating, erythematous rash (boiled lobster appearance), characterized
by production of severe redness, pain, and blisters. The chemical readily
penetrates abraded skin and, along with oral ingestion, has the potential for
systemic toxicity. Symptoms of systemic toxicity include lethargy, fever, and
muscular weakness, with progression to development of tremors and
convulsions. Individuals who develop hypotension, CNS depression, renal
failure, jaundice, and cardiovascular collapse are at risk of death.
3. Enumerate the stepwise procedure in the proper application of an
ophthalmic medication.
Prior to the administration of an ophthalmic solution or suspension, the
patient or caregiver should be advised to wash the hands thoroughly.
*If the ophthalmic drops are supplied with a separate dropper, the person should
inspect the dropper to make sure it has no chips or cracks. Ophthalmic solutions
should be inspected for color and clarity. Out of date or darkened solutions
should be discarded. Ophthalmic suspensions should be shaken thoroughly prior
to administration to distribute the suspensoid evenly.
To instill eyedrops, the person should tilt the head back and with the index
finger of the free hand gently pull downward the lower eyelid of the infected
eye to form a pocket or cup.
While looking up, and without touching the dropper to the eye, the prescribed
number of drops should be instilled into the formed pocket.
The lower eyelid should be released and the eye closed to allow the
medication to spread over the eye.
The eye should be held closed, preferably for a full minute, without blinking,
rubbing, or wiping.
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Compiled by: Veronica Pauline R. Belen, RPh

Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Pharmacy & Chemistry of Medicinals 1
While the eye is closed, gentle pressure should be applied just under the
inner corner of the eye by the nose to compress the nasolacrimal duct to
prevent drainage and enhance corneal contact time. Then, any excess liquid
may be wiped with a tissue.
*During handling and administration, care must be taken not to touch the
dropper, eye, eyelid, or any other surface. If a separate dropper is used, it should
be returned to the container and capped tightly. The dropper should not be
rinsed or wiped off. If a combined dropper and container unit is used, the
container cap should be returned and tightly closed.
*In every case, the patient should be advised about the correct number of drops
to instill, the frequency of application, the duration of treatment, proper storage
of the medication, and usual side effects specific to the product. Among the side
effects encountered with the use of ophthalmic medication are transient stinging
or burning, foreign body sensation, itching, tearing, decreased vision, and
margin crusting.

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Compiled by: Veronica Pauline R. Belen, RPh