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Silver Nitrate Topical Gel or Solution

What is this medication?

SILVER NITRATE (SIL ver NYE trate) is a solution applied to skin lesions to prevent or treat infection.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Large areas of burned or damaged skin
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to silver nitrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply with a cotton applicator dipped in the solution. Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water for at least 15 minutes. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop using except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

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What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Castor oil, peru balsam, trypsin
  • Collagenase, papain, or sutilains

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Benzalkonium chloride
  • Sulfacetamide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your skin condition does not begin to get better.

Do not get this medicine in your eyes. If you do, rinse out with plenty of cool tap water.

This medicine can make certain skin conditions worse. Only use it for conditions for which your doctor or health care professional has prescribed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • discoloration of skin
  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where applied

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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