Silver nitrate inhibits bacterial replication by precipitating bacterial proteins. It is used as a cauterizing agent in wounds, antiseptic, and for the removal of granulation tissues, corns, and warts.

Silver nitrate Uses:

• It is used as an astringent, for wound cauterization, as a germicidal, and for the removal of granulation tissue, corns, and warts.

Silver Nitrate Dose in Adults

Silver Nitrate Dose as an antiseptic and for wound cauterization: Topical:

• Sticks:
  • Apply the sticks to mucous membranes and other moist skin surfaces only on the area to be treated
• Topical solution:
  • The usual dose is to apply a cotton applicator dipped in solution onto the affected area 2-3 times a week for 2-3 weeks.

Silver Nitrate Dose in Childrens

Silver Nitrate Dose as an antiseptic, wound cauterization, and degranulation of tissues (warts, corns):

Note: The technique and frequency of application may vary with the specific condition treated.

• Children and Adolescents: Topical:

  • Sticks:
    • Apply the sticks to mucous membranes and other moist skin surfaces only onto the area to be treated
  • Topical solution:
    • Apply a cotton applicator dipped in solution on the affected area 2 to 3 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks.

Pregnancy Risk Category: C

No animal or human pregnancy studies have been carried out. It may be used with caution in pregnant or lactating women.

Dose in kidney disease:

No dosage adjustment recommended.

Dose in Liver disease:

No dosage adjustment recommended.

Side effects of Silver Nitrate:

• Dermatologic:

  • Burning Sensation of Skin
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin irritation

• Hematologic & oncologic:

  • Methemoglobinemia

Contraindications to Silver Nitrate:

• Allergy reactions to any component of the drug or the drug itself
• It should not be used on any broken skin, cuts or wounds.

Warnings and precautions

• Chemical burn

  • If used incorrectly, it can cause burns.
  • Sticks should only be applied to sensitive areas, such as the skin of neonates.

• Skin discoloration:

  • Skin color may change if the drug is applied topically for a prolonged period.

Silver nitrate: Drug Interaction

Monitoring Parameters:

None mentioned.

How to administer Silver Nitrate?

The applicators are not for use inside or around the eyes. If the applicator sticks are used over dry skin, the applicator tip should be immediately dipped in water before its use.

Mechanism of action of Silver Nitrate:

• It prevents bacteria replication by precipitating bacterial proteins and bacterial coagulation. 
• Because of its free silver ions, the drug acts as an antiseptic. 
• Both gram-positive as well as gram-negative bacteria can be inhibited by silver ions, including colloidal silver preparations and silver salts.
• Silver nitrate forms an eschar by coagulating the bacterial cellular proteins to form a coagulant.
• This mechanism is believed to be responsible for benign hematuria and rhinitis as well as recurrent pneumothorax.

Absorption:

• Silver ions easily combine with proteins, so there is very little gastrointestinal cutaneous absorption for the 0.5% or 1% preparations

Excretion:

• Autopsy results show that the kidneys have the highest levels of silver, while excretion in urine is very low.

International Brand Names of Silver nitrate:

• Mova Nitrat Pipette

Silver nitrate Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.