Identification
- Generic Name
- Silver
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB12965
- Background
Silver (Ag) is a chemical element that belongs in the family of transition metals in the periodic table. It has a high electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity. Silver exists as a pure elemental form, alloy with other metals, and mineral. Having critical roles in various applications inducing chemical and industrial fields, silver compounds have also been used in the field of medicine for centuries due to their broad-spectrum biological actions. Silver nanoparticles especially have been widely used in industrial, household, and healthcare-related products due to their potent antimicrobial activity. Silver nitrate and Silver sulfadiazine have been used as topical antibacterial agents for the treatment of skin infections, while Silver sulfadiazine has also been valued for topical burn treatment 3. Silver and its compounds have been used in trials studying the management of dental caries since the 1800s, and they may be found in dental pastes as an active ingredients. However, some drawbacks of dental use of silver compounds include tooth discolouration and pulp irritation 3.
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Approved, Investigational
- Structure
Structure for Silver (DB12965)
- Weight
- Average: 107.8682
Monoisotopic: 106.90509302 - Chemical Formula
- Ag
- Synonyms
- Argentum metallicum
- Colloidal silver
- Nanosilver
- Silver colloidal
- Silver nanoparticles
- Silver, colloidal
- External IDs
- CI 77820
- E-174
- INS NO.174
- INS-174
Pharmacology
- Indication
Indicated for the treatment of acne for topical use or the management of dental caries for dental use.
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Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Used in combination to manage Acne Combination Product in combination with: Salicylic acid (DB00936) ••• ••• - Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Prevent Adverse Drug Events TodayTap into our Clinical API for life-saving information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events with our Clinical API- Pharmacodynamics
Silver exhibits a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Silver ions were shown to mediate an effective antibacterial action against Streptococcus mutans, one of major bacteria present in the human oral cavity and one of etiological microorganism of dental caries 3. A study reported a dose-dependent antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles against MRSA and non-MRSA bacteria 2. Silver nanoparticles were also shown to mediate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli by inhibiting the growth 4.
In experimental dinitrochlorobenzene-induced inflammatory models in porcine or murine skin, topical application of silver nitrate and nanocrystalline silver were shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects associated with lymphocyte apoptosis, decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduced gelatinase activity 1. In a rat model of ulcerative colitis, orally or intracolonically administered nanocrystalline silver were shown to suppress matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin-β (IL-β) and IL-12 1.
- Mechanism of action
The majority of released silver ions precipitate with chloride or phosphate anions or bind to albumins, macroglobulins, or tissue debris 1. While bound silver ions do not exert antibacterial actions, they may potentially play a role in silver toxicity in case of chronic exposure 1. Silver ions mediate antibacterial effects via disrupting the bacterial, fungal, and protozoal cell membranes; they bind to disulphide in membrane proteins, readily allowing penetration through the membranes and intracellular absorption via pinocytosis 1. They may also bind to negatively-charged peptidoglycans in the cell wall via electrostatic interactions, leading to disruption of membrane transport function and loss of structural integrity 3. Silver ions also bind to and oxidize sulphydryl groups (SH) in bacterial cytoplasmic enzymes to aberrate their function in metabolic processes. Silver nanoparticles may cause an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside the microbial cells leading to metal-induced oxidative stress and cell damage 2. They also modulate cellular signal system via inhibition of phosphorylation of essential bacterial proteins to eventually cause cell death 2. It is also reported that silver ions also attach to guanine in bacterial DNA, which inhibits DNA replication 3. While it is not fully understood, the mode of action of silver compounds in preventing and arresting dental caries is thought to involve inhibition of the demineralization process in addition to cytoplasmic and membrane function perturbation mentioned above 3. Silver compounds may directly interact with hydroxyapatite, a major tooth component 3.
Target Actions Organism UMetallothionein binderHumans UCeruloplasmin binderHumans USerum albumin binderHumans UAlpha-2-macroglobulin binderHumans - Absorption
Although metallic silver is inert in the presence of human tissues, silver and its compounds may dissociate upon contact with skin surface, body fluids, and secretions, allowing the silver ions to be absorbed into the blood circulation 1. Soluble silver salts are absorbed from the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. However, up to 90-99% of orally ingested silver is not absorbed and percutaneous absorption of silver ions through intact or damaged skin is also reported to be low 1. Absorbed silver ions are deposited into elastic and connective tissues throughout the body 5. Biologically active silver ions mainly binds to intracellular proteins as inert complexes, and readily binds and precipitates with inorganic cations like chloride and phosphate, which explains low absorption 1.
- Volume of distribution
Following exposure to large amounts, excess silver is reported to accumulate in skin, liver, kidneys, spleen, corneas, gingival, mucous membranes and nails 3. In a study of rats with ligated bile ducts, deposition of silver was 48% in the liver and 2.5% in the gastrointestinal tract 5. Clinical and experimental studies suggest that silver is bound as inert precipitates in lysosomal vacuoles of the blood brain barrier and blood-CSF barrier without being absorbed into neurological tissue 1.
- Protein binding
Silver absorbed in the body as Ag+ bind rapidly to various proteins including albumin and macroglobulin as inert complexes for distribution to bone and soft tissues 1,5.
- Metabolism
No pharmacokinetic data on metabolic pathways.
- Route of elimination
Silver mainly undergoes biliary elimination to be excreted as feces 5. Findings from a rat study demonstrates that biliary excretion accounted for between 24% and 45% of total silver administered, and animal studies indicate that fecal elimination may account for up to 99% of the ingested silver 5.
- Half-life
The biological half-life for silver is a few days for animals and up to 50 days for human liver 5. In humans, the biological half-life of silver in lungs has been estimated to range from 1 to 52 days 5.
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
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Acute oral LD50, acute dermal LD50, and acute inhalation LD50 for 4 hours in rat are >5000 mg/kg, >2000 mg/kg, and >5.16 mg/m^3, respectively MSDS.
While individuals experiencing mild to moderate silver toxicity remain asymptomatic, chronic inhalation has been associated with mild chronic bronchitis and rare cases of exposure to large amounts of silver have been associated with symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, decreased mental status, and seizures 5. Argyria is a detoxification mechanism for excess silver where the body sequesters and deposits excess silver in the blood vessels and connective tissue to render it in the form of silver protein complexes or silver sulphide 3,5. The development of argyria through occupational exposure is reported to be a slow process 5. While argyria does not cause significant pathological damage in any tissue 1, heavy deposition of insoluble silver precipitates can cause discoloration or blue-grey darkening of the eyes, nasal septum, throat, skin, and other internal organs following repeated exposure 5. Signs from prolonged intake of low doses of silver compound may include fatty degeneration of the liver and kidneys, and changes in blood cells 3. Silver may cause metal fume fever, and colloidal silver preparations are known to exert harmful effects in humans 5.
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs Browse all" title="About SNP Mediated Effects/ADRs" id="snp-actions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Learn More" title="About Drug Interactions" id="structured-interactions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.Not Available
- Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Antibacterial Hand Wash Solution 0.18 mg/300mL Topical Fujian Mengjiaolan Daily Chemical Co., Ltd. 2020-03-30 Not applicable US 
Antibacterial Washing Free Gel 0.0005 g/100g Topical Guangzhou Duomei Biotechnology Co., Ltd. 2020-05-15 Not applicable US Argentyn 23 Professional Silver First Aid Gel Gel 23 mg/1000mL Topical Natural Immunogenics Corp. 2015-06-01 Not applicable US Argentyn 23 Professional Silver First Aid Gel Gel 23 mg/1000mL Topical Natural Immunogenics Corp. 2015-06-01 Not applicable US Argentyn 23 Professionele Eerste Hulp Zilver Gel Gel 23 mg/1000mL Topical Natural Immunogenics Corp. 2015-06-01 Not applicable US - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Advance Acne Care Silver (0.1 mg/10mL) + Salicylic acid (20 mg/1mL) Kit Topical Swabplus Inc. 2008-08-07 Not applicable US BabyO2 Silver (2 mg/240mL) + Glycerin (2 mg/240mL) Solution Topical Oxigenesis, Inc. 2019-02-26 Not applicable US BabyO2 Silver (48 mg/240mL) + Hypochlorous acid (65.8 mg/240mL) + Zinc (6 mg/240mL) Liquid Topical Oxigenesis, Inc. 2020-09-20 Not applicable US Disinfectant Deodorant (Waterfos) Silver (0.01 g/100mL) + Ostrea edulis shell (20 g/100mL) Liquid Topical World Sung Ri Co., Ltd 2017-06-01 Not applicable US Disinfectant Deodorant (Waterfos) Silver (0.01 g/100mL) + Ostrea edulis shell (20 g/100mL) Liquid Topical World Sung Ri Co., Ltd 2017-06-01 Not applicable US - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Antibacterial Hand Wash Silver (0.18 mg/300mL) Solution Topical Fujian Mengjiaolan Daily Chemical Co., Ltd. 2020-03-30 Not applicable US Antibacterial Washing Free Silver (0.0005 g/100g) Gel Topical Guangzhou Duomei Biotechnology Co., Ltd. 2020-05-15 Not applicable US Ave Silvergen Silver (0.0001 g/100mL) Powder Topical SCR CO.,LTD 2021-01-25 Not applicable US Ave Silvergen Silver (0.0001 g/100mL) Powder Topical SCR CO.,LTD 2021-02-11 Not applicable US Ave Silvergen Silver (0.0001 g/100mL) Spray Topical SCR CO.,LTD 2021-02-11 Not applicable US
Categories
- ATC Codes
- D08AL30 — Silver
- Drug Categories
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- This compound belongs to the class of inorganic compounds known as homogeneous transition metal compounds. These are inorganic compounds containing only metal atoms,with the largest atom being a transition metal atom.
- Kingdom
- Inorganic compounds
- Super Class
- Homogeneous metal compounds
- Class
- Homogeneous transition metal compounds
- Sub Class
- Not Available
- Direct Parent
- Homogeneous transition metal compounds
- Alternative Parents
- Not Available
- Substituents
- Homogeneous transition metal
- Molecular Framework
- Not Available
- External Descriptors
- elemental silver (CHEBI:9141)
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- 3M4G523W1G
- CAS number
- 7440-22-4
- InChI Key
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/Ag
- IUPAC Name
- silver
- SMILES
- [Ag]
References
- General References
- Lansdown AB: A pharmacological and toxicological profile of silver as an antimicrobial agent in medical devices. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2010;2010:910686. doi: 10.1155/2010/910686. Epub 2010 Aug 24. [Article]
- Dakal TC, Kumar A, Majumdar RS, Yadav V: Mechanistic Basis of Antimicrobial Actions of Silver Nanoparticles. Front Microbiol. 2016 Nov 16;7:1831. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01831. eCollection 2016. [Article]
- Peng JJ, Botelho MG, Matinlinna JP: Silver compounds used in dentistry for caries management: a review. J Dent. 2012 Jul;40(7):531-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2012.03.009. Epub 2012 Apr 3. [Article]
- Jung WK, Koo HC, Kim KW, Shin S, Kim SH, Park YH: Antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of the silver ion in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2008 Apr;74(7):2171-8. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02001-07. Epub 2008 Feb 1. [Article]
- SILVER, ELEMENTAL - National Library of Medicine HSDB Database - Toxnet [Link]
- External Links
- MSDS
- Download (363 KB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 4 Completed Supportive Care Pain / Thoracotomy 1 4 Completed Treatment Postoperative pain 1 4 Completed Treatment Second Degree Burns 1 4 Not Yet Recruiting Treatment Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) / Therapy, Directly Observed 1 3 Completed Prevention Hygiene 2
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Kit Topical Solution Topical 0.18 mg/300mL Gel Topical 0.0005 g/100g Liquid Topical 0.023 mg/1mL Powder Topical 0.0001 g/100mL Spray Topical 0.0001 g/100mL Solution Topical Liquid Topical Spray Topical 0.05 g/50mL Spray Topical Spray Topical 0.005 g/100mL Liquid Topical 2 g/100mL Spray Topical 0.098 g/98mL Spray Topical 0.3 g/300mL Gel Topical Gel Topical 0.2 mg/1mL Gel Topical 0.5 g/100mL Paste, dentifrice Dental 0.7 g/100g Gel Topical 0.05 mg/1g Gel Extracorporeal Gel Topical 23 mg/1000mL Liquid Topical 0.01 mg/1mL Spray Topical 0.004 g/200mL - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Solid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) 961 MSDS boiling point (°C) 2212 MSDS water solubility Insoluble MSDS - Predicted Properties
Property Value Source logP -0.73 Chemaxon Physiological Charge 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Acceptor Count 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Donor Count 0 Chemaxon Polar Surface Area 0 Å2 Chemaxon Rotatable Bond Count 0 Chemaxon Refractivity 0 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon Polarizability 1.78 Å3 Chemaxon Number of Rings 0 Chemaxon Bioavailability 1 Chemaxon Rule of Five Yes Chemaxon Ghose Filter No Chemaxon Veber's Rule Yes Chemaxon MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon - Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
- Not Available
- Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Not Available
Targets
- Kind
- Protein group
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Binder
- General Function
- Activates the metallothionein I promoter. Binds to the metal responsive element (MRE).
- Specific Function
- Core promoter binding
Components:
References
- Scheuhammer AM, Cherian MG: Quantification of metallothioneins by a silver-saturation method. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1986 Mar 15;82(3):417-25. [Article]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Binder
- General Function
- Ferroxidase activity
- Specific Function
- Ceruloplasmin is a blue, copper-binding (6-7 atoms per molecule) glycoprotein. It has ferroxidase activity oxidizing Fe(2+) to Fe(3+) without releasing radical oxygen species. It is involved in iro...
- Gene Name
- CP
- Uniprot ID
- P00450
- Uniprot Name
- Ceruloplasmin
- Molecular Weight
- 122204.45 Da
References
- SILVER, ELEMENTAL - National Library of Medicine HSDB Database - Toxnet [Link]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Binder
- General Function
- Toxic substance binding
- Specific Function
- Serum albumin, the main protein of plasma, has a good binding capacity for water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs. Its main function is the regulation of the colloid...
- Gene Name
- ALB
- Uniprot ID
- P02768
- Uniprot Name
- Serum albumin
- Molecular Weight
- 69365.94 Da
References
- Lansdown AB: A pharmacological and toxicological profile of silver as an antimicrobial agent in medical devices. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2010;2010:910686. doi: 10.1155/2010/910686. Epub 2010 Aug 24. [Article]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Binder
- General Function
- Tumor necrosis factor binding
- Specific Function
- Is able to inhibit all four classes of proteinases by a unique 'trapping' mechanism. This protein has a peptide stretch, called the 'bait region' which contains specific cleavage sites for differen...
- Gene Name
- A2M
- Uniprot ID
- P01023
- Uniprot Name
- Alpha-2-macroglobulin
- Molecular Weight
- 163289.945 Da
References
- Lansdown AB: A pharmacological and toxicological profile of silver as an antimicrobial agent in medical devices. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2010;2010:910686. doi: 10.1155/2010/910686. Epub 2010 Aug 24. [Article]
Drug created at October 21, 2016 01:38 / Updated at January 08, 2021 01:06