PREPARATIONS
GLYCERITUM BOROGLYCERINI—GLYCERITE OF BOROGLYCERIN
Composed of boric acid, 310 parts; glycerin to make 1,000; prepared by heat (303° F.).
Actions.—Boric acid is a non-volatile, non-irritating antiseptic, deodorant and astringent, it arrests fermentation of minute organisms, free of irritating effects in solution, when applied to wounds; it lessens suppuration, and is as effective as carbolic acid; can be used in any strength from the pure powder or saturated solution to the mildest form.
Uses.—Boric acid is indicated for all purposes for which an antiseptic is used; it is used in diarrhoea in foals, calves and dogs, combined with other drugs; it has a slightly astringent action of itself; it is excreted in the urine, consequently would exert its influence on the bladder in cystitis, cystic catarrh; 1 part in 800 prevents the development of anthrax-bacilli; useful in skin diseases, also used in keratitis and catarrhal and purulent conjunctivitis, six to ten grains to the ounce, with atropine or cocaine when very painful. Useful in distemper of dogs where the bowels are affected, as an antiseptic. Boric acid is preferred to carbolic acid as an antiseptic for dogs. On account of the paralyzing effect of carbolic acid on the nerves, it hinders the healing of wounds to a certain extent, while the boracic acid does not.
Boric acid may be applied pure to wounds and sores or mixed with other suitable drugs as a dusting powder. Equal parts of boric acid and zinc oxide make a cheap and effective healing powder; to an itching wound the addition of an equal quantity of acetanilide increases its value. A saturated solution (four per cent) is useful as a vaginal and uterine douche and to flush the bladder in cystitis.