Dosing and uses of Silver nitrate
Adult dosage forms and 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
Pediatric dosage forms and 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
Silver nitrate adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Burning and skin irritation
Staining of the skin
Methemoglobinemia
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Broken skin, wounds, or cuts
Cautions
Avoid prolonged contact with skin or other surfaces since staining may occur
May irritate skin & mucous membranes
Do not irrigate eye after application of 1% solution
Chemical burns may result from inapropriate use of product
Skin contact time with applicators should be minimal when used in thin delicate skin or neonates
Pregnancy and lactation
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.
Pharmacology of Silver nitrate
Mechanism of action
Antiseptic that denatures proteins, acts on surface of bacteria causing substantial changes in cell wall and membrane
