Silver Nitrate

Dosage Forms & Strengths

topical solution

• 0.5%
• 10%
• 25%
• 50%

applicator sticks

• 75%

Antiseptic Wound Cauterization

Sticks: Apply to mucous membranes and other moist skin surfaces only on area to be treated

Topical solution: Apply a cotton applicator dipped in solution/ointment on the affected area 2-3 times per week for 2-3 weeks

Supralumbar Kertaconjunctivitis (Off-label)

Apply 0.5-1% solution to anesthetized upper tarsus, allow it to fall back into place over affected palpebral conjunctiva

Irrigate with sterile saline after 1 minute

May be repeated after 4-6 weeks

Dosage Forms & Strengths

topical solution

• 0.5%
• 10%
• 25%
• 50%

applicator sticks

• 75%

Antiseptic Wound Cauterization

Sticks: Apply to mucous membranes and other moist skin surfaces only on area to be treated

Topical solution: Apply a cotton applicator dipped in solution/ointment on the affected area 2-3 times per week for 2-3 weeks

Pregnancy Category: C

Lactation: Not studied

Pregnancy Categories

A:Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B:May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C:Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D:Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X:Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA:Information not available.

Silver Nitrate is part of the drug class:

• Silver compounds

This is not a complete list of Silver Nitratedrug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• AgNO3

Free silver ions precipitate bacterial proteins by combining with chloride in tissue forming silver chloride; coagulates cellular protein to form an eschar; silver ions or salts or colloidal silver preparations can inhibit the growth of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. This germicidal action is attributed to the precipitation of bacterial proteins by liberated silver ions. Silver nitrate coagulates cellular protein to form an eschar, and this mode of action is the postulated mechanism for control of benign hematuria, rhinitis, and recurrent pneumothorax.

Absorption

Because silver ions readily combine with protein, there is minimal GI and cutaneous absorption of the 0.5% and 1% preparations

Excretion

Highest amounts of silver noted on autopsy have been in kidneys, excretion in urine is minimal

Antiseptic, wound cauterization: Topical:

Sticks: Apply to mucous membranes and other moist skin surfaces only on area to be treated

Topical solution: Usual: Apply a cotton applicator dipped in solution on the affected area 2-3 times/week for 2-3 weeks.

Must be stored in a dry place. Store in a tight, light-resistant container. Exposure to light causes silver to oxidize and turn brown. Dipping in water causes oxidized film to readily dissolve.

Consult your pharmacist.