Herb & supplement monograph

Colloidal Silver Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Colloidal Silver interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Colloidal Silver is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Colloidal Silver is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Colloidal Silver against your medication

Add one medication
Colloidal Silver
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page
Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Colloidal Silver

0 medications have a known interaction with Colloidal Silver, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Colloidal Silver. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Colloidal Silver combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Colloidal Silver: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Colloidal silver is a liquid product containing tiny silver particles that is marketed for infections and immune support, but there is no reliable scientific evidence that it is safe or effective when taken by mouth. Health authorities including the FDA warn against using it, and it can cause a permanent blue-gray skin discoloration called argyria. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Part used
Suspension of microscopic silver particles in liquid
Common forms
Liquid drops, sprays, gels, and lozenges
People commonly use it for
  • Infections (claimed antimicrobial)
  • Wound care and skin issues
  • Sore throat or cold symptoms
  • Immune support
  • Sinus rinses

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Not proven effective and can cause serious, sometimes permanent harm; oral use is discouraged by health authorities.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally, topically, or intravenously. Silver appears to cross the placenta. Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to develop...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally, topically, or intravenously. Silver appears to cross the placenta. Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to develop...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Colloidal silver is a liquid that contains very tiny particles of silver metal suspended in water. It is not a plant or herb. It is made by different methods, and products vary widely in how much silver they contain and how the particles are sized.

Silver has been used for centuries in some forms of wound care and water treatment. Today, colloidal silver is sold as a dietary supplement and is marketed for a wide range of uses, such as fighting infections and "boosting" the immune system. It comes as drops, sprays, gels, and lozenges.

It is important to know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider colloidal silver safe or effective for any health condition taken by mouth, and it is not approved as a drug.

How it works

Silver particles can interfere with bacteria and other microbes in a test tube, possibly by damaging their cell membranes and disrupting how they function. This is why silver is used in some medical wound dressings and topical products.

However, the fact that silver kills germs in the laboratory does not mean that swallowing colloidal silver safely fights infection inside the human body. When taken by mouth, silver can be absorbed and slowly build up in tissues, which is linked to side effects rather than benefit. Most claims about how it works in people are based on lab research, not on quality human trials.

Effectiveness

Does Colloidal Silver work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 17 uses evaluated
1 Leans ineffective 16 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Ineffective Rhinosinusitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Intranasal colloidal silver does not seem to improve symptoms in adults with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Also studied for 16 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Acne
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using topical colloidal silver for acne, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for allergic rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for COPD, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cystic fibrosis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for cystic fibrosis, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetes
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for diabetes, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for diarrhea, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Gastritis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for gastritis, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Peptic ulcers
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for peptic ulcers, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Prostatitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for prostatitis, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for RA, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rosacea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for rosacea, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for SLE, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral colloidal silver for wound healing, there is insufficient reliable information available about the clinical effects of colloidal silver for this condition.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

Health authorities, including the FDA and the NIH, advise against using colloidal silver because it is not proven to work and can cause harm. One well-known problem is argyria, a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, nails, and gums that does not go away even after stopping the product.

Silver can also build up in the body over time, especially with long-term or high-dose use. People with kidney problems or other health conditions, children, and older adults may be at greater risk.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Colloidal silver should be avoided. Silver can cross into the body and may reach the baby, and its safety has not been established. Do not use it if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Always talk with your pharmacist or doctor before using colloidal silver, and be cautious of products that promise to cure many different illnesses.

Side effects

The most distinctive side effect is argyria, a permanent blue-gray staining of the skin and other tissues. This change is not reversible.

Other possible problems include silver building up in organs, and there are concerns it could affect how the body absorbs certain nutrients or medicines. Some people may also have stomach upset. Because product quality varies, the actual silver content and contaminants can be hard to predict.

If you notice any skin color changes or other unusual symptoms while using colloidal silver, stop using it and contact a healthcare provider.

Colloidal Silver: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Colloidal Silver from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition
Anemia Hematologic

Orally and intravenously, hematologic effects have been reported. .In one case, a 30‐year‐old female experienced severe anemia and leukopenia with elevated serum ferritin after receiving 48 infusions with a specific colloidal silver marketed for oral use (Argentyn 23). The infusions provided silver 883 mg and were administered over 3 months. The patient was treated for anemia with oral copper, as well as four apheresis treatments. Similar symptoms occurred in other females who were treated with oral copper and repeated blood transfusions. In another case, severe anemia and thrombocytopenia were reported in an older, healthy female following oral ingestion of 150 mcg of colloidal silver daily for 14-21 days. Treatment required hospitalization, blood transfusions, fluids, and intramuscular vitamin B12. The anemia associated with colloidal silver is related to a decline in serum levels of copper, which is needed for the production of hemoglobin.

  1. Natelson EA, Baker KR, Pyatt DW. Anemia and leukopenia following intravenous colloidal silver infusions-Clinical and hematological features, unique peripheral blood film appearance and effective therapy with supplemental oral copper and apheresis. Clin Ca
  2. Stjernbrandt A. Colloidal silver ingestion and severe anemia - A case report. Toxicol Rep 2023;11:270-272.
Common cold Neurologic/CNS

At least two cases of myoclonic seizures have been reported after the use of homemade colloidal silver preparations. In one case, myoclonic status epilepticus and coma occurred secondary to consumption of a homemade colloidal silver drink (Schaffer's Health Center Ltd., Unity). The patient had consumed at least one ounce daily for 4 months. The seizures did not respond to benzodiazepines, valproate, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or propofol. The patient required mechanical ventilation and remained in a coma in the intensive care unit for 50 days. In another case, myoclonic seizures and aspiration pneumonia occurred in a 75-year-old male who ingested "several spoons" of homemade colloidal silver up to 4 times daily whenever he "felt a cold coming on" for 4 years. The seizures were treated with clonazepam, and after being hospitalized for 2 months, he was discharged to a nursing home. A more recent case report describes a 70-year-old male hospitalized after exhibiting expressive aphasia, focal seizure followed by generalized seizure, hypertension, encephalopathy, and an abnormal electroencephalogram. The patient had been self-medicating with colloidal silver 1 ounce daily, and blood tests revealed silver levels nearly 16 times that of normal. Extensive tests could not identify any other probable cause other than the silver use. The patient recovered and was discharged on levetiracetam, which was well tolerated at 2 months follow-up. The colloidal silver was a home-made electrolysis preparation using direct current, silver anodes, and steam distilled water.

  1. Mirsattari, S. M., Hammond, R. R., Sharpe, M. D., Leung, F. Y., and Young, G. B. Myoclonic status epilepticus following repeated oral ingestion of colloidal silver. Neurology 4-27-2004;62(8):1408-1410.
  2. Stepien, K. M., Morris, R., Brown, S., Taylor, A., and Morgan, L. Unintentional silver intoxication following self-medication: an unusual case of corticobasal degeneration. Ann Clin Biochem. 2009;46(Pt 6):520-522.
  3. Hu D, Yuen C. Seizures Following Self-Medication With Colloidal Silver: A Case Report. Hosp Pharm 2023;58(4):350-352.
Leukemia Oncologic

Orally, chronic intake of colloidal silver over a 10-year period may have caused bone marrow damage, possibly contributing to the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia in a 72-year-old male. The patient died of respiratory failure related to recurrent pneumonia.

  1. Keung YK, Wang T, Hong-Lung Hu E. Acute myeloid leukemia with complex cytogenetic abnormalities associated with long-term use of oral colloidal silver as nutritional supplement - Case report and review of literature. J Oncol Pharm Pract. 2020;26(1):212-21
Myasthenia gravis Hepatic

Orally and intravenously, hepatotoxicity has been reported. A 64-year-old male experienced cholelithiasis with acute encephalopathy after repeated oral dosing with colloidal silver providing 2838 ppm of silver over 4 hours. In another case, an older, healthy female had abnormal liver tests, including elevated total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase after ingesting 150 mcg of colloidal silver daily for 2 to 3 weeks. Intravenously, elevated liver enzymes, up to 150 times normal, have been reported in a 30‐year‐old female who received 48 infusions with a specific colloidal silver marketed for oral use (Argentyn 23) providing silver 883 mg over 3 months.

  1. Tobarran N, Hieger MA. Acute silver toxicity from colloidal silver overdose. Am J Ther. 2019.
  2. Stjernbrandt A. Colloidal silver ingestion and severe anemia - A case report. Toxicol Rep 2023;11:270-272.
  3. Natelson EA, Baker KR, Pyatt DW. Anemia and leukopenia following intravenous colloidal silver infusions-Clinical and hematological features, unique peripheral blood film appearance and effective therapy with supplemental oral copper and apheresis. Clin Ca
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe or effective dose of colloidal silver, and it is not recommended as a supplement for any condition. Products vary widely in concentration, which makes consistent dosing impossible to guarantee.

Because of the lack of proven benefit and the real risk of harm such as argyria, the safest choice is to avoid colloidal silver. If you are considering it for any reason, speak with a pharmacist or doctor first and do not exceed any label directions.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Colloidal Silver & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally, topically, or intravenously. Silver appears to cross the placenta. Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to developmental anomalies of the ear, face, and neck. Colloidal silver supplements can also lead to silver accumulation and an irreversible bluish skin discoloration known as argyria. Neurological deficits and diffuse silver deposition in visceral organs can also occur.

  1. Hadrup N, Lam HR. Oral toxicity of silver ions, silver nanoparticles and colloidal silver-- a review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;68(1):1-7.
  2. Fung MC, Bowen DL. Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1996;34:119-26.
  3. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7.
  4. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7.
  5. Gulbranson SH, Hud JA, Hansen RC. Argyria following the use of dietary supplements containing colloidal silver protein. Cutis 2000;66:373-4.
  6. Hori K, Martin TG, Rainey P, Robertson WO. Believe it or not--silver still poisons! Vet Hum Toxicol 2002;44:291-2..
  7. McKenna JK, Hull CM, Zone JJ. Argyria associated with colloidal silver supplementation. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:549..
  8. Cohen LE, Spurlock R, Salem A, Mercado E. Argyria in the silver state. Federal Practitioner 2004;April:9-17.
  9. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(6):667-8.
  10. Park SW, Shin HT, Lee KT, Lee DY. Medical concern for colloidal silver supplementation: agyria of the nail and face. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(1):111-2.
  11. Butzmann CM, K Technau-Hafsi, Bross F. "Silver man" argyria of the skin after ingestion of a colloidal silver solution. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2015;13(10):1030-2.

Colloidal Silver & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally, topically, or intravenously. Silver appears to cross the placenta. Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to developmental anomalies of the ear, face, and neck. Colloidal silver supplements can also lead to silver accumulation and an irreversible bluish skin discoloration known as argyria. Neurological deficits and diffuse silver deposition in visceral organs can also occur.

  1. Hadrup N, Lam HR. Oral toxicity of silver ions, silver nanoparticles and colloidal silver-- a review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;68(1):1-7.
  2. Fung MC, Bowen DL. Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1996;34:119-26.
  3. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7.
  4. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7.
  5. Gulbranson SH, Hud JA, Hansen RC. Argyria following the use of dietary supplements containing colloidal silver protein. Cutis 2000;66:373-4.
  6. Hori K, Martin TG, Rainey P, Robertson WO. Believe it or not--silver still poisons! Vet Hum Toxicol 2002;44:291-2..
  7. McKenna JK, Hull CM, Zone JJ. Argyria associated with colloidal silver supplementation. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:549..
  8. Cohen LE, Spurlock R, Salem A, Mercado E. Argyria in the silver state. Federal Practitioner 2004;April:9-17.
  9. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(6):667-8.
  10. Park SW, Shin HT, Lee KT, Lee DY. Medical concern for colloidal silver supplementation: agyria of the nail and face. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(1):111-2.
  11. Butzmann CM, K Technau-Hafsi, Bross F. "Silver man" argyria of the skin after ingestion of a colloidal silver solution. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2015;13(10):1030-2.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 18 references that drive our Colloidal Silver monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Fung MC, Bowen DL. Silver products for medical indications: risk-benefit assessment. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1996;34:119-26. PubMed
  2. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7. PubMed
  3. Fung MC, Weintraub M, Bowen DL. Colloidal silver proteins marketed as health supplements. JAMA 1995;274:1196-7. PubMed
  4. Gulbranson SH, Hud JA, Hansen RC. Argyria following the use of dietary supplements containing colloidal silver protein. Cutis 2000;66:373-4.
  5. Hori K, Martin TG, Rainey P, Robertson WO. Believe it or not--silver still poisons! Vet Hum Toxicol 2002;44:291-2..
  6. McKenna JK, Hull CM, Zone JJ. Argyria associated with colloidal silver supplementation. Int J Dermatol 2003;42:549.. PubMed
  7. Cohen LE, Spurlock R, Salem A, Mercado E. Argyria in the silver state. Federal Practitioner 2004;April:9-17.
  8. Mirsattari, S. M., Hammond, R. R., Sharpe, M. D., Leung, F. Y., and Young, G. B. Myoclonic status epilepticus following repeated oral ingestion of colloidal silver. Neurology 4-27-2004;62(8):1408-1410. PubMed
  9. Stepien, K. M., Morris, R., Brown, S., Taylor, A., and Morgan, L. Unintentional silver intoxication following self-medication: an unusual case of corticobasal degeneration. Ann Clin Biochem. 2009;46(Pt 6):520-522. PubMed
  10. Griffith RD, Simmons BJ, Yazdani Abyaneh MA, Bray FN, Falto-Aizpurua LA, Nouri K. Colloidal Silver: Dangerous and Readily Available. JAMA Dermatol. 2015;151(6):667-8.
  11. Park SW, Shin HT, Lee KT, Lee DY. Medical concern for colloidal silver supplementation: agyria of the nail and face. Ann Dermatol. 2013;25(1):111-2.
  12. Butzmann CM, K Technau-Hafsi, Bross F. "Silver man" argyria of the skin after ingestion of a colloidal silver solution. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2015;13(10):1030-2. PubMed
  13. Hadrup N, Lam HR. Oral toxicity of silver ions, silver nanoparticles and colloidal silver-- a review. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2014;68(1):1-7. PubMed
  14. Natelson EA, Baker KR, Pyatt DW. Anemia and leukopenia following intravenous colloidal silver infusions-Clinical and hematological features, unique peripheral blood film appearance and effective therapy with supplemental oral copper and apheresis. Clin Ca PubMed
  15. Tobarran N, Hieger MA. Acute silver toxicity from colloidal silver overdose. Am J Ther. 2019. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Colloidal Silver: Common Questions

What is Colloidal Silver used for, and does it work?
People use Colloidal Silver for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Colloidal Silver interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Colloidal Silver. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Colloidal Silver interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Colloidal Silver with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Colloidal Silver interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Colloidal Silver safe to take?
Taking Colloidal Silver by mouth is not considered safe or effective by health authorities like the FDA. It can cause a permanent blue-gray skin discoloration called argyria and other problems, so it is best avoided.
Does Colloidal Silver cure infections or colds?
There is no reliable evidence that Colloidal Silver cures infections, colds, or other illnesses when taken by mouth. Be wary of products that claim to treat many different conditions.
What is argyria?
Argyria is a permanent blue-gray discoloration of the skin, eyes, nails, and gums caused by silver building up in the body. It does not go away even after you stop using Colloidal Silver.
Can I use Colloidal Silver while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. Colloidal Silver should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because silver can build up in the body, may reach the baby, and its safety has not been established.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Colloidal Silver?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist