Silver

Trade Names:Elta SilverGel- Gel 55 ppm

Pharmacology

Silver gel is a broad-spectrum amorphous antimicrobial wound gel that inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , methicillin-resistant S. aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Candida albicans , Aspergillus niger , and others.

Indications and Usage

For OTC use for management of minor burns, superficial cuts, lacerations, abrasions, and minor irritation of the skin; may be used under the supervision of a health care provider for partial and full thickness wounds.

Contraindications

Standard considerations.

Dosage and Administration

Topical Evenly apply gel approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick to wound area. Gel may be left in a wound for up to 3 days.

General Advice

• Cleanse wound with cleansing liquid.
• Cover wound with appropriate dressing, repeating as necessary to keep wound moist.
• When changing the dressing, remove secondary dressing, cleanse wound bed, removing any remaining silver gel, and reapply according to application directions.
• Change dressing if excessive exudate begins forming or if secondary dressing becomes soaked with exudate.

Storage/Stability

Store at 75°F. To prevent darkening of the product, avoid light.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

None well documented.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Undetermined .

Lactation

Undetermined; however, silver is not absorbed through the skin.

Worsening condition

If condition worsens or does not improve within 10 to 14 days, consider reevaluation of treatment.

Patient Information

• Instruct patients to consult health care provider if condition worsens or does not improve within 10 to 14 days.
• Instruct patient on directions for application, changing dressings, and frequency of changing dressings.

Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.