silver nitrate
Silver nitrate is a medication used for cauterization, which is a process of burning off the skin to stop bleeding or preventing a wound from becoming infected. It's also used to remove granulation tissue (pink, lumpy tissue over a healing wound) or warts on the skin. Silver nitrate comes as an applicator stick that can be applied on the skin or mucous membranes, which is the moist, inner lining of areas like the nose or mouth. Although silver nitrate doesn't cause many side effects, it can cause chemical burns or stains if not handled properly.
What is Silver nitrate?
What is Silver nitrate used for?
- Cauterization of skin or mucous membrane
- Removal of granulation tissue or warts
How Silver nitrate works
Silver nitrate is a topical skin product. Once activated (triggered) with water or body fluids, the chemical (silver nitrate) works by burning off the skin or tissue. This causes the skin or tissue to die and fall off.
In addition, silver nitrate acts as a germicide and can protect against infection.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Styptstix, Grafco, Avoca flexible caustic applicator |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical skin product |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | Lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription or over-the-counter |
Side effects of Silver nitrate
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Staining of the skin
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Pros and cons of Silver nitrate
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Can be used on both dry skin or mucous membranes
- Can be applied at home for minor conditions
Cons
- Can cause chemical burns if not careful
- Can discolor the skin
- Must be activated with distilled or sterile water if applying to an affect area that's dry
Pharmacist tips for Silver nitrate
- Always wear gloves when using silver nitrate to prevent the medication from getting onto your hands and causing staining or skin irritation.
- If you're cleaning your skin or wound area with a saline solution (like 0.9% sodium chloride) before treatment, make sure you dry the area before applying silver nitrate.
- Apply silver nitrate to the area by holding, rubbing, or rotating the tip along the skin or tissue.
- You can stop the medication from working by washing the area with a saline solution.
- One silver nitrate applicator is typically enough for one treatment. Don't reuse the applicators, and make sure you get a new stick for each treatment.
- Don't use silver nitrate on or near the eyes, because this medication can damage to your eye or vision. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, rinse your eyes with water for 15 mintues and call your provider right away.
- Certain silver nitrate sticks can't be used for genital warts. Talk to your provider about alternative treatments if you have a genital wart.
- Keep the silver nitrate sticks in the original packaging to protect it from light. The applicator tip will turn dark brown if it's exposed to light, but it will still work well. Keep silver nitrate in a dry place, because moisture can ruin the medication and cause the tip to break off from the applicator.
Risks and warnings for Silver nitrate
Silver nitrate can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Skin discoloration
Using silver nitrate on mucous membranes and open wounds repeatedly or keeping the medication on these areas for too long can raise the risk of argyria (a bluish-black discoloration of the skin). This happens when the silver compounds from silver nitrate gets into the tissues on areas such as the skin or mucous membranes like your gums. The skin discoloration might slowly disappear over time. If you have any concerns about skin discoloration, ask your provider.
Keep away from children
Keep silver nitrate away from children to avoid skin damage or accidental poisoning. Accidentally swallowing silver nitrate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, and lead to serious and life-threatening complications, like coma, seizures, paralysis, or trouble breathing. If you think a loved one has accidentally swallowed silver nitrate, get medical help or call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Silver nitrate dosage
Applicator| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30cm of 75% | 100 applicators | $25.41 | $0.25 |
Typical dosage for Silver nitrate
The typical dose for one treatment is to apply one silver nitrate applicator stick onto the affected skin area, such as sores. If the affect area is dry, then drip the applicator stick in water first.
How much does Silver nitrate cost?
$25.41
Silver nitrate contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Silver nitrate will not be safe for you to take.
- Applying to the eyes
