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Silver nitrate

Post your experience

Apply silver nitrate to the wart or verruca only. Avoid contact with the surrounding skin.
Silver nitrate can stain. Be careful to avoid contact with clothes and furniture.
Store this preparation safely out of the reach of children.

About silver nitrate

Type of medicine	Caustic agent
Used for	Removal of warts and verrucas Umbilical granuloma (a piece of tissue that remains on a baby's belly button after the umbilical cord has fallen off)
Also called	Avoca®
Available as	Pencil

Silver nitrate is caustic and works by causing the skin to shed.

Before using silver nitrate

Before using silver nitrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are taking or using other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use silver nitrate

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
Rub the wart or verruca gently with an emery file to remove any dead skin. Using a little water, moisten the tip of the silver nitrate pencil and apply to each wart or verruca for 1-2 minutes. Apply the protective dressing. Repeat after 24 hours. One further application may be applied to warts and four further applications may be applied to verrucas if necessary. Leave 24 hours between each application.

Getting the most from your treatment

Do not apply silver nitrate to broken or inflamed skin.
Only apply this preparation to warts or verrucas. Try to avoid the surrounding skin.
Silver nitrate can stain the skin This should disappear soon after finishing your course of treatment. The pencil can also stain fabric, so try to avoid contact with clothes and furniture.
Do not allow silver nitrate to come into contact with the face, eyes, or mucous membranes (eg. mouth, vagina, inside of nose etc.).
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can silver nitrate cause problems?

Common problems	What can I do if I experience this
Skin burns on surrounding area	Protect normal areas of skin by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®) around the wart or verruca

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store silver nitrate

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed some of this preparation, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
3735

DocRef:
dils3725

Last Updated:
8 Jul 2008

Date of Next Review:
8 Jul 2010

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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