Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Silver Nitrate Topical?
Silver nitrate is a natural compound that is used as an antiinfective agent.
Silver nitrate topical (for use on the skin) is used to cauterize infected tissues around a skin wound. Silver nitrate can also help create a scab to help stop bleeding from a minor skin wound.
Silver nitrate is also used to help remove warts or skin tags. Silver nitrate topical is not for use in treating genital warts.
Silver nitrate topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use silver nitrate if you are allergic to it.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
How should I use Silver Nitrate Topical
Use Silver Nitrate Topical (Grafco Silver Nitrate) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Silver nitrate topical is only for short-term use.
Do not take by mouth. Topical medicine is for use only on the skin.
Silver nitrate applicator sticks are used for wound care, while silver nitrate solution or ointment are generally used for treating warts or skin tags. Do not use silver nitrate wart or skin tag removal products on skin wounds, cuts, or broken skin.
You may be treated with silver nitrate topical in a hospital or clinic setting. If you use this medicine at home, read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Also follow your healthcare provider's instructions about cleaning and caring for your skin wound.
You may need to have sterile water and 0.9% saline solution on hand, to use in caring for your skin wound.
Silver nitrate topical can injure or irritate healthy skin. Always wear latex or nitrile gloves when handling or applying this medicine. Also wear gloves while cleaning the skin wound and preparing it for treatment.
Apply a silver nitrate applicator stick only to the affected skin wound. To protect healthy skin, you may apply petroleum jelly in a circle around the wound. To quickly stop the effects of a silver nitrate applicator stick, apply a generous amount of 0.9% saline solution to the treated skin and then rinse with sterile water.
Silver nitrate can also damage fabric. Avoid getting this medicine on clothing or bed linens.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose.
Silver Nitrate Topical side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Repeated applications of silver nitrate may cause a gray or blue-black discoloration of treated skin. This is caused by the silver component of this medicine and is generally not harmful. However, silver nitrate can cause skin burns. If you are using this medicine at home, be sure you understand all directions for use and how to quickly neutralize the action of the medicine.
Common side effects may include:
- mild burning or cold sensation where the medicine is applied.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Silver Nitrate Topical?
Do not get this medicine in your eyes or mouth. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Also avoid inhaling the medicine.