What therapeutic effects does silver nitrate solution have

Silver nitrate solution has the function of corroding and killing bacteria. It also has a good astringent effect, especially for gonococci which are more sensitive. The silver ions in it have a good effect of promoting protein precipitation and are not easy to penetrate. After using low-concentration solution to drip into the eyes, it can promote the necrotic cells on the surface of the eye and the protein in the secretions to form a silver protein protective film, which is very effective in preventing eye inflammation.

[Indications]

1% eye drops are commonly used clinically to prevent ophthalmia in neonates.

[Usage and Dosage]

To prevent neonatal pyorrhea, 0.5-1% solution of this product can be dripped into the conjunctival sac of the neonate.

[Adverse Reactions]

Clinical experience shows that a single, correct use of a 1% solution will not cause permanent damage. Misuse of a 5% to 10% solution may cause serious damage such as permanent corneal opacity and sometimes cataracts. Repeated use of low-concentration silver nitrate solution will cause discoloration of the conjunctiva due to the reduction of silver ions into silver deposits. Most dark stains will slowly disappear on their own, but some dark stains in certain areas can persist for a long time.

Can I buy it in a drugstore?

Generally, large pharmacies or large hospitals should have it. It is recommended to go to the local pharmacy to ask.

Suggestions: Nitrates are explosive and silver salts are heavy metal salts, which are toxic, so they are certainly not sold in pharmacies. However, they should be available in chemical reagent stores.

The possibility of methemoglobinemia must be considered when silver nitrate is used to treat burns. Especially when microorganisms can be isolated from the wound surface.

When treating extensive burns, severe hypochloremia can occur due to the combination of silver ions with chloride to produce insoluble silver chloride. Hyponatremia may also develop because cations are lost along with serum chloride into the exudate.

Silver nitrate solution is irritating when applied to the eyes. Long-term use can cause silver deposition, forming gray-brown pigmentation on the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva.

Ammonia-based silver nitrate solution is used to treat tooth decay. The reduced silver particles are used to block tubules and fissures, and can provide long-lasting antibacterial effects, cavity disinfection, and root canal disinfection. It is suitable for the thin and curved infected root canals of the posterior teeth. In addition to the disinfection effect, it can also block the opening of the dentinal tubules and be used for dentin desensitization.