Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
12:21
The Mouse Round-window Approach for Ototoxic Agent Delivery: A Rapid and Reliable Technique for Inducing Cochlear Cell Degeneration
Published on: November 26, 2015
17.5K
Potential Toxicity of Boric Acid Powder Otic Insufflation.
Samuel H Smith1, Patrick J Antonelli1
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Summary
Boric acid (BA) otic treatments can deliver highly variable doses, with some exceeding levels linked to systemic toxicity. Further investigation into BA
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Boric acid (BA) powder is a common topical treatment for otologic conditions.
- Inflamed ear canal skin and mucosa can readily absorb BA.
- Systemic toxicity is a concern with BA exposure exceeding 50 mg per day.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the doses of BA delivered by common otologic insufflators.
- To raise awareness within the otolaryngology community about the potential for systemic toxicity from otic BA use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, controlled laboratory study.
- Measured BA dose delivery from four common insufflators: accordion bellows, House-Sheehy, DeVilbiss, and pneumatic powder blower.
- Standardized insufflation methods were used, with measurements repeated ten times for each device.
Main Results:
- Dose delivery varied significantly by insufflator type.
- The DeVilbiss insufflator delivered the lowest mean dose (6.1 mg), while the accordion bellows delivered the highest (284.1 mg).
- Doses from the pneumatic blower (192.8 mg) and accordion (284.1 mg) commonly exceeded the 50 mg threshold associated with systemic toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Otic administration of BA via insufflators results in highly variable dose delivery.
- Commonly used otic BA delivery methods can generate doses potentially leading to systemic toxicity.
- Increased awareness and further research into the risks of otic BA are warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
337
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
337
01:14Prevention of Further Absorption of Poison
851
In cases of acute poisoning, the primary objective is to prevent further absorption of the toxic substance into the body. Immediate interventions using various decontamination techniques targeting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can achieve this. Decontamination is crucial to prevent poison from entering the systemic circulation, which involves washing affected areas with water and mild soap and removing contaminated clothing. Once external decontamination is done, attention must be turned to...
851
01:12Local Anesthetics: Adverse Effects
453
While local anesthetics are generally safe and well-tolerated, they can occasionally cause adverse effects that vary in severity. Local anesthetics can induce toxicity at two distinct levels. They can either produce local effects through direct contact with the neural elements or be absorbed into the bloodstream from the injection site, leading to systemic effects.
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
Once absorbed into the systemic circulation, local anesthetics can affect the organs that depend on the functioning of sodium...
453
01:23Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics
333
Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by...
333
01:26Toxic Reactions: Overview
1.0K
When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
1.0K
01:36Types of Toxins
1.8K
Humans continually engage with an environment rich in potentially harmful chemicals. These are introduced to our bodies through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. These chemicals exist in various forms, such as air and environmental pollutants, agricultural chemicals, organic solvents, and heavy metals.
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
1.8K