Medication reference
Silver Nitrate
TOPICAL
Silver Nitrate. USES: Caustic applicators are useful for cauterization of skin or mucous membrane and for the removal of granulation tissue, warts and verrucae.

Brand names
GRAFCO APPLICATOR 15 CMSilver NitrateGRAFCO APPLICATOR 30 CMSwabs
Active ingredients
POTASSIUM NITRATESILVER NITRATE
Indications
USES: Caustic applicators are useful for cauterization of skin or mucous membrane and for the removal of granulation tissue, warts and verrucae.
Dosage
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Moisten 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
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: WARNING: 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.
Contraindications
CONTRAINDICATIONS & ANTIDOTES: Caustic applicators must not be used for genital warts. Continued application to mucous membranes and open wounds leads to argyria, a bluish-black discoloration of the skin due to depositions of granules of silver compounds in the connective tissues. This condition persists indefinitely or disappears very slowly. Poisoning by oral ingestion is unlikely with the quantities involved, but treatment for poisoning is the immediate ingestion of large amounts of salt water followed by an emetic. Then administer a dose of Epsom Salts followed with milk. Immediately call a physician. CAUTION: Federal (USA) law prohibits dispensing without prescription.
NDC examples
12165-1000093-961412165-20068599-6303
Indicated ICD-10 codes
Source: openFDA + RxNorm · 2026
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