Silver nitrate

About Silver nitrate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as keratolytics.

Silver nitrate is available in pencil form.

Before using Silver nitrate

Before using any of this preparation make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are using any other preparations, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to use Silver nitrate

• Use this preparation exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Using a little water, moisten the tip of the silver nitrate pencil and apply to each wart or verruca for 1-2 minutes, rub the wart or verruca gently with the file provided and 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.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Avoid broken skin when applying silver nitrate.
• Only apply this preparation to the warts or verrucas and 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.).
• Before using any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to use alongside silver nitrate.

Can Silver nitrate cause problems?

Silver nitrate occasionally causes skin irritation such as redness, itching, or a burning sensation. This should soon disappear. If it doesn't or if it becomes severe, stop using silver nitrate and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this preparation, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Silver nitrate

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 04/09/2002