silver nitrate

Silver nitrate is a chemical compound composed of silver cation and nitrate anion. It is primarily used as a topical anti-infective agent for cauterizing infected tissue around skin wounds, stopping minor bleeding by creating a scab, and removing warts or excess granulation tissue. Silver ions in the compound exert bactericidal effects by binding to bacterial proteins (especially thiol groups), denaturing them, disrupting cell membranes, and inhibiting DNA replication. This leads to bacterial cell death and helps prevent infection in wounds. Silver nitrate can be applied as a solution or stick to both skin and mucous membranes for various indications including wound care, removal of warts/skin tags/granulation tissue, treatment of small ulcers in the mouth or other mucosal surfaces (such as vaginal/cervical ulcerations), rectal fissures/fistulae, and certain ocular conditions like superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis.

Brand names

Grafco Silver Nitrate

Other names

silver nitrate topicalsilver nitrate solutionsilver nitrate stick