Medical uses of silver nitrate:
(1) antibiotic eyedrops (used in newborns)
(2) antibiotic cream (used in burns or wound care)
(3) sclerotherapy (used in fistulas, cysts or pleurodesis)
(4) cauterization
Adverse effects:
(1) discoloration of the skin
(2) chemical conjunctivitis and/or corneal scarring
(3) chemical pneumonitis if aspirated
(4) scarring or stenosis of a normal structure
(5) chemical skin burn with erosion or scarring
(6) absorption with systemic agyria
(7) methemoglobinemia
Risk factors for adverse effects:
(1) too high a concentration
(2) entry into an unintended site
