Argenti Nitras.

Formula—AgNO3

Synonyms—Silver nitrate, nitrate of silver, lunar caustic.

Therapy—Under the present enlightened condition of therapeutics, the use of this and similar agents internally, is unjustifiable, and is practiced only in ignorance of better remedies. It has been employed in small doses in ulceration of the stomach, and in catarrhal conditions of that organ and the intestinal canal. It is said to give relief in chronic gastric pain and to be of benefit in some forms of dyspepsia.

As a local application, for external use, the agent is manageable and of much service. It is applicable to chronic ulceration of whatever character, especially of mucous surfaces. Carefully applied to ulceration of the os or cervix uteri, after these parts have been well cleansed, much benefit results.

In unhealthy granulation of wounds, known as proud flesh, this caustic is curative. In the proportion of from one to five grains in an ounce of water it is useful in ophthalmia neonatorum, and in gonorrheal opthalmia. it is also used in granulation of the eyelids and in some cases of purulent conjunctivitis.

It has been applied to erysipelatous surfaces, but the tincture of iron is a superior agent.

It is serviceable in dilute solution in the treatment of leucorrhea of a specific or non-specific character, and in gonorrhea, whether in the male or female.

It is also applicable to abnormal growths, some simple forms being aborted by it. It has been applied to felons in their early stages and to boils, before suppuration, with good results.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.