Over the counter boric acid is an inexpensive and effective treatment for a vaginal yeast infection (BV). Boric acid capsules or suppositories can be found in most drugstores.

How to use over the counter boric acid

Each suppository comes with a single-use applicator that you insert into your vagina. You should wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

The medication in these suppositories is 600 milligrams of pure, medical boric acid powder. It is usually inserted into your vagina twice daily for 7 to 14 days.

Symptoms of an acute infection can clear up in a few days when you use boric acid. However, if you have recurrent yeast infections, your symptoms may take longer to clear up.

Easy Access, Effective Treatment: The Advantages of Over-the-Counter Boric Acid Suppositories

If you don’t get a response from this treatment, your doctor might recommend topical flucytosine (Ancobon) in addition to the boric acid suppositories. This medication works well with boric acid suppositories to treat both acute and chronic infections.

Side effects from over the counter boric acid are rare, but you should call your doctor if you have any trouble swallowing a vaginal suppository. This is because swallowing boric acid can lead to acute and chronic poisoning.

Over the counter boric acid should never be used in children and pregnant women. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dermatitis, kidney damage, and acute failure of the circulatory system.

Over the counter boric acid is safe and effective for treating bacterial vaginosis, but it will not introduce good vaginal bacteria into your body. If you have recurrent or severe BV, your healthcare professional might prescribe probiotics to help restore healthy vaginal flora.