Products
A silver nitrate stick looks like a large matchstick with a gray silver nitrate head. Potassium nitrate is included as an excipient. The sticks are commonly used in medical treatment. For example, the sticks are available from Laguba (http://www.laguba.ch).
Structure and properties
Silver nitrate (AgNO3, Mr = 169.9 g/mol) exists as colorless, translucent crystals or as a white, crystalline powder that turns gray on contact with air or organic materials. It is very soluble in water and forms a white silver chloride precipitate with chloride ions. Chloride ions are found, for example, in tap water and sodium chloride solution and are used to neutralize the drug.
Effects
Silver nitrate (ATC D08AL01) is corrosive, astringent, and antiseptic when applied locally. It may relieve pain by locally destroying nerve endings.
Indications
Possible indications include portio erosions, excessive wound granulation, warts, nosebleeds, hemorrhages, poorly granulating ulcers, rhagades, skin growths, and acute condylomas. The literature also mentions the treatment of aphthae.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The pen is moistened carefully with water before use. The surrounding skin can be protected with petroleum jelly or a wart plaster. Depending on the application, the pen is either briefly pressed on the spot or carefully brushed on the skin area.
Contraindications
Treatment of moles, birthmarks, and the eyes (silver deposition in the cornea) is contraindicated. Silver nitrate must not come into contact with open wounds, inflamed wound areas, and the oral mucosa, according to the Argentrix directions for use, which would de facto preclude treatment of two common indications, nosebleeds and aphthae. There is a risk of chemical burns if contact is made with the eyes. If redness occurs, treatment should be discontinued. If healthy skin is mistakenly treated, the active ingredient can be rinsed off with saline and neutralized. Refer to the Instructions for Use for complete precautions.
Interactions
Silver nitrate is incompatible with a number of substances and should not usually be used concomitantly with other drugs.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions such as redness, inflammation, and discoloration. Prolonged use results in gray discoloration of the skin (argyrie). Possible complications of nasal application include crusting and septal perforation. Silver nitrate causes persistent stains on clothing and surfaces.