Silver Nitrate
/api/v1/drug/silver-nitrateMechanism of action
Sourced from openFDAMechanism-of-action class: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors.
Indications
Sourced from openFDA- INDICATIONS: For cauterization of skin or mucous membrane and for removing warts and granulated tissue.
Contraindications
Sourced from openFDA- Silver salts stain tissue black due to deposition of reduced silver. The stain gradually disappears within a period of two weeks.contraindicated
Dosage & administration
Sourced from openFDAMoisten the applicator tip with distilled, deionized or purified water and apply the silver nitrate to the affected area by holding, rubbing, or rotating the tip along the affected tissue. The strength of the action is controlled by the dilution with distilled, deionized or purified water. One silver nitrate applicator is generally sufficient for each application. The action of the silver nitrate can be stopped by washing the area with saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride). Using saline solution to wet the applicator tips, or residual saline from wound flushing/washing will interfere with the action of silver nitrate resulting in cauterization failure. Only use distilled, deionized or purified water to wet applicator tips. Blot dry wounds that have been flushed/washed with saline prior to applying silver nitrate.
Warnings & precautions
Sourced from openFDAWARNING: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. The active ingredients are poisonous and may be fatal when ingested in sufficient doses. The symptoms include toxic gastroenteritis, which may lead to coma, convulsion, paralysis and profound alteration of respiration. If poisoning occurs, immediately consult a physician. WARNING: DO NOT USE ON THE EYES. In case of eye contact, hold eyes open and immediately flush thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician. CAUTION: SILVER NITRATE IS A CAUSTIC SUBSTANCE. Chemical burns may result from inappropriate use of product. • Wear chemical resistant gloves while using this product. Wear other appropriate personal protective equipment as needed. • Take care to confine the silver nitrate to the area being treated by using an appropriate physical or chemical barrier to prevent staining or burning of untreated tissue. • Skin contact time with applicators should be minimal when used on thin delicate skin or neonates. • Avoid prolonged contact with skin or other surfaces since staining may occur. CAUTION: FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS DISPENSING WITHOUT PRESCRIPTION.
FAERS reports
- 1Diarrhoea567.6%
- 2Fatigue567.6%
- 3Pain496.6%
- 4Drug Ineffective425.7%
- 5Arthralgia405.4%
- 6Nausea405.4%
- 7Dizziness375.0%
- 8Headache375.0%
- 9Fall354.7%
- 10Gait Disturbance334.5%
- 11Muscle Spasms314.2%
- 12Dyspnoea304.1%
- 13Vomiting304.1%
- 14Feeling Abnormal283.8%
- 15Off Label Use283.8%
Literature
Recent PubMed references pinned to Silver Nitrate as a MeSH major topic. Citations link to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
- Hydrogen production from NaBH₄ hydrolysis over chemically reduced TiO₂-based Ru nanocomposites and their antimicrobial performance.Scientific reports · 2026 · Halvacı E, Mutlag F, Elaibi H, et al.PMID 41833958DOI 10.1038/s41598-026-42735-1
- Silver Nitrate and Bioactive Glass Containing Chitosan Coatings: Comparison of Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties.ACS applied materials & interfaces · 2026 · Hadzhieva Z, Feyles E, Akhtar MA, et al.PMID 41708056DOI 10.1021/acsami.6c00215
- Comparative antibacterial and anti-virulence effects of silver ions from electrolysis, silver nanoparticles, and silver nitrate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.Scientific reports · 2026 · Eltarahony MM, Abughulah ME, Shawki MM, et al.PMID 41622257DOI 10.1038/s41598-025-34914-3
- Comparative study between different methods for treatment of recurrent anterior idiopathic epistaxis in children: a prospective randomized clinical study.Rhinology · 2026 · Abdelghany AM, Hendy AAA, Allam AF, et al.PMID 41487101DOI 10.4193/Rhin25.530
- The Addition of Betamethasone Suppositories to Silver Nitrate Treatment for Hypergranulation Tissue Following Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty: A Matched Cohort Study.Annals of plastic surgery · 2026 · Gharavi A, Sanchez Figueroa N, Lin A, et al.PMID 41417709DOI 10.1097/SAP.0000000000004542
- Comparison of Radiofrequency Coagulation and Silver Nitrate Cauterization for the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Epistaxis Associated With Allergic Rhinitis in Pediatric Patients.Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery = Le Journal d'oto-rhino-laryngologie et de chirurgie cervico-faciale · 2025 · Lou Z, Lou Z, Chen Z, et al.PMID 41261777DOI 10.1177/19160216251390302
- Effect of silver nitrate solution on corneal epithelial barrier function in rabbits.Cutaneous and ocular toxicology · 2025 · Fukuda M, Kiyoi T, Takeda S, et al.PMID 41176732DOI 10.1080/15569527.2025.2570204
- A Prospective Evaluation of Non-Operative Treatments for Gastrocutaneous Fistulae Closure in Children.Journal of pediatric surgery · 2025 · Phares A, Adamson C, Emil S, et al.PMID 40939699DOI 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2025.162628
Clinical trials
The 10 most recently updated of 36 ClinicalTrials.gov registrations naming Silver Nitrate as an intervention. Registration is not evidence of efficacy or safety — reference crosswalk only.
- A Prospective Evaluation of Non-Operative Treatments for Gastrocutaneous Fistulae in ChildrenCompleted · Phase 4 · Interventional · 100 enrolled · University of British ColumbiaNCT03920306updated 2026-05-01
- Safety and Effectiveness of a New Pleural Catheter for Symptomatic, Recurrent, MPEs Versus Approved Pleural CatheterCompleted · Interventional · 119 enrolled · C. R. BardNCT02649894updated 2025-12-11
- Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction in Management of Localized EmphysemaRecruiting · Interventional · 30 enrolled · Mansoura University HospitalNCT06629558updated 2025-05-29
- Analyzing the Effect of Disinfection Additives on the Linear Dimensional Stability of Dental Alginate Impressions: A Quasi-Experimental Comparative StudyNot yet recruiting · Interventional · 96 enrolled · Altamash Institute of Dental MedicineNCT06899672updated 2025-03-28
- Silver Nitrate vs. Triamcinolone for Treatment of Hypergranulation TissueNot yet recruiting · Phase 2 · Phase 3 · Interventional · 270 enrolled · Francesco EgroNCT06681194updated 2025-03-10
- Topical 15% Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Silver Nitrate Cauterization in the Management of Idiopathic Childhood Epistaxis: A Prospective Double-Blinded, Randomized Clinical TrialCompleted · Interventional · 170 enrolled · Youssef ZakiNCT06836791updated 2025-02-20
- Phenol and Silver Nitrate Application in Pilonidal SinusCompleted · Phase 4 · Interventional · 44 enrolled · Umraniye Education and Research HospitalNCT04560049updated 2024-12-06
- Efficacy and Safety of Kinesiology Tape Wrapping for Paronychia Induced by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor InhibitorsCompleted · Interventional · 24 enrolled · Chang Gung Memorial HospitalNCT06411093updated 2024-05-13
- Silver Nitrate Versus Topical Steroid For Umbilical GranulomaCompleted · Phase 2 · Interventional · 354 enrolled · Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, LahoreNCT06363539updated 2024-04-12
- Early Caries Lesion Management Observational StudyUnknown · Observational · 744 enrolled · CareQuest Institute for Oral HealthNCT04933331updated 2023-11-24
Frequently asked questions
- How does Silver Nitrate work?
- Mechanism-of-action class: Protein Synthesis Inhibitors.
- What is Silver Nitrate used for?
- According to FDA labeling, Silver Nitrate carries indications including: INDICATIONS: For cauterization of skin or mucous membrane and for removing warts and granulated tissue.. This is a reference summary of labeled uses, not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.
- What class of drug is Silver Nitrate?
- Silver Nitrate is classified as Silver compounds, Protein Synthesis Inhibitors, Cellular Growth Phase Arrest.
- What are the brand names for Silver Nitrate?
- Silver Nitrate is marketed under brand names including Avoca, Styptstix.
- What are the contraindications for Silver Nitrate?
- Silver Nitrate labeling lists contraindications including: Silver salts stain tissue black due to deposition of reduced silver. The stain gradually disappears within a period of two weeks.. Always consult the full prescribing information and a clinician.
silver-nitrate is illustrative MVP content compiled from public sources. pharmacopeia is for educational and informational use only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.