Aconitum napellus 4X • Argentum metallicum 12X • Borago officinalis 4X • Camphora 4X • Grindelia robusta 4X • Stannum Metallicum 12X. Other Ingredients: Ethanol, Purified Water.
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In 2004, Canada began regulating natural medicines as a category of products separate from foods or drugs. These products are officially recognized as "Natural Health Products." These products include vitamins, minerals, herbal preparations, homeopathic products, probiotics, fatty acids, amino acids, and other naturally derived supplements.
In order to be marketed in Canada, natural health products must be licensed. In order to be licensed in Canada, manufacturers must submit applications to Health Canada including information about uses, formulation, dosing, safety, and efficacy.
Products can be licensed based on several criteria. Some products are licensed based on historical or traditional uses. For example, if an herbal product has a history of traditional use, then that product may be acceptable for licensure. In this case, no reliable scientific evidence is required for approval.
For products with non-traditional uses, some level of scientific evidence may be required to support claimed uses. However, a high level of evidence is not necessarily required. Acceptable sources of evidence include at least one well-designed, randomized, controlled trial; well-designed, non-randomized trials; cohort and case control studies; or expert opinion reports.
Finished products licensed by Health Canada must be manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as outlined by Health Canada.
This is a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathy is a system of medicine established in the 19th century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its basic principles are that "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, in homeopathy, diarrhea would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that normally causes diarrhea when taken in high doses.
Practitioners of homeopathy believe that more dilute preparations are more potent. Many homeopathic preparations are so diluted that they contain little or no active ingredient. Therefore, most homeopathic products are not expected to have any pharmacological effects, drug interactions, or other harmful effects. Any beneficial effects are controversial and cannot be explained by current scientific methods.
Dilutions of 1 to 10 are designated by an "X." So a 1X dilution = 1:10, 3X=1:1000; 6X=1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 1 to 100 are designated by a "C." So a 1C dilution = 1:100; 3C = 1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 24X or 12C or more contain zero molecules of the original active ingredient.
Homeopathic products are permitted for sale in the US due to legislation passed in 1938 sponsored by a homeopathic physician who was also a Senator. The law still requires that the FDA allow the sale of products listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. However, homeopathic preparations are not held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as conventional medicines. For more information, see the Homeopathy monograph.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 32. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 32. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically. Aconite root contains toxic alkaloids that are strong, fast-acting poisons that affect the heart and central nervous system, causing severe arrhythmias, reduced consciousness, and death (15499,19669,30294,30300,30301,30303,30309,30334,30335,30336,92276,104514,106706). All species of this plant are dangerous. Severe poisoning has been reported after ingestion of 0.2-2 mg of aconitine, 1 gram of the raw plant, or 6 grams of processed and cured aconite (3490,104514). Even when a processed product is used, aconite can cause toxicity including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle spasms, hypothermia, paralysis of the respiratory system, and heart rhythm disorders (15499). Aconite can also be absorbed through the skin and cause significant toxicity (12).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: UNSAFE
when used orally or topically (15499).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when borage seed oil is used orally or topically and appropriately. Borage seed oil has been used with apparent safety in clinical trials at a dose of up to 4 grams daily for up to 12 weeks (7632,8458,11341,13305,36804,88185,5244).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are used orally. Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842). Tell patients not to use borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY SAFE
when borage seed oil is used orally and appropriately.
Borage seed oil has been used with apparent safety at a dose of 2 grams daily for 12 weeks (11341).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when products containing hepatotoxic PAs are used orally.
Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are used orally.
Borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Repeated exposure to low concentrations of hepatotoxic PAs can cause severe veno-occlusive disease. Hepatotoxic PAs might also be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. These constituents are also excreted in breast milk (12841,12842). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of borage seed oil when used orally or topically during pregnancy or lactation.
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when used topically in low concentrations, short-term. Concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 11% seem to be safe for short-term application to intact skin (272,10327,89893). ...when used by inhalation, appropriately. Even relatively dilute concentrations of camphor can irritate the nose and sinuses. However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a permissible workplace air exposure to synthetic camphor of no more than 2 parts per million (ppm) (272,105033). It is unclear how this correlates to the exposure obtained from a camphor balm or steam bath.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used topically on broken or injured skin. Application of camphor to broken skin can result in systemic absorption and toxicity (272). ...when inhaled in large concentrations, which can result in systemic toxicity (13445,39666). However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has determined an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentration (IDLH) of synthetic camphor in workplace air to be 200 ppm (105033). It is unclear how this correlates to the exposure obtained from a camphor balm or steam bath.
UNSAFE ...when used orally. Although a particular oral product containing camphor and hawthorn (Korodin Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen) has been used safely by adults in some clinical studies (103620), ingestion of camphor can cause significant toxicity, including death (13442). Oral preparations of camphor are no longer available in the US (13442).
CHILDREN: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used topically (4814).
Young children might be more susceptible to the adverse effects associated with even minor systemic absorption of camphor. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that camphor not be used in treating children (4814).
CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of camphor can cause significant toxicity including death (4814). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that available non-prescription topical camphor products should not exceed 11% strength to limit toxicity if accidentally ingested by children (4814).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Ingestion of camphor can cause serious toxicity including death (13442). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of using camphor topically during pregnancy and lactation.
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally, topically, or intravenously. Total daily silver intake should not exceed 14 mcg/kg daily, or 980 mcg daily for a 70 kg person. Combining colloidal silver supplements with regular dietary intake of silver would likely result in exceeding this amount of silver. Silver accumulates in the body and can lead to an irreversible bluish skin discoloration known as argyria. Neurological deficits and diffuse silver deposition in visceral organs can also occur (5525,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,92137,92138,92139,102575). In 1999, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that there is no evidence for the safety or effectiveness of colloidal silver products (14255,92137).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally, topically, or intravenously.
Silver appears to cross the placenta (92140). Epidemiological evidence links increased silver levels to developmental anomalies of the ear, face, and neck (5525). 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 (5525,5526,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,92137,92138,92139).
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 32. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Theoretically, combining aconite with other antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Details
Higenamine, a constituent of aconite, is thought to have antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects. In an animal model of thrombosis, higenamine inhibited platelet aggregation and reduced the size of thrombus formation (92282).
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Theoretically, combining aconite with other stimulant drugs might alter the effects of the stimulant drug or increase the risk of cardiovascular toxicity.
Details
Aconite and its constituents have stimulant effects due to agonist activity at beta-2-adrenoreceptors. In cardiac muscle, aconite appears to have a positive inotropic effect and increases heart rate and blood pressure (2634,15499,30296,92282). However, some constituents of aconite can reduce heart rate and blood pressure (15499,30343).
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Theoretically, borage seed oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Details
In healthy individuals, borage seed oil supplementation does not seem to affect platelet aggregation (36823). However, gamma-linolenic acid, a constituent of borage seed oil, seems to decrease platelet aggregation by 45% and increase the risk of bleeding by 40% in animal and clinical research (1979).
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Theoretically, taking borage with drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) toxic metabolites.
Details
Although borage seed oil contains little to no PAs, some borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, can contain hepatotoxic PAs. Hepatotoxic PAs are substrates of CYP3A4, which converts these chemicals into toxic metabolites (12841,12860). Tell patients to avoid borage preparations that are not certified and labeled as hepatotoxic PA-free.
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Theoretically, taking borage sed oil with phenothiazines might increase the risk of seizures.
Details
Borage seed oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). There is concern that taking supplements containing GLA might cause seizures, or lower the seizure threshold, when taken with phenothiazines. This is based on limited data from two reports published in the 1980s. In one report, three patients with schizophrenia who had received phenothiazines developed EEG changes suggestive of temporal lobe epilepsy after starting treatment with evening primrose, another source of GLA. However, none experienced an actual seizure (21013). In the other report, two patients with schizophrenia who were stabilized on phenothiazines developed seizures when evening primrose 4 grams daily was added. One of these patients had a prior history of seizures (21010). It is unclear whether evening primrose had any additive epileptogenic effects with the phenothiazines, but there is no evidence that taking GLA-containing supplements alone can cause seizures (88187).
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Theoretically, concomitant use of camphor with other hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of liver damage.
Details
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product Unda 32. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally and topically, aconite is generally regarded as unsafe for use.
Any benefits of therapy might not outweigh the risk of toxicity.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
All routes of administration: Serious neurologic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory adverse effects have been reported.
Cardiovascular ...Orally and topically, aconite can cause hypotension, palpitations, chest tightness, pulmonary edema, arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia, sustained or bidirectional ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and Torsade de pointes (558,559,561,562,563,3490,15499,15650,30294,30295)(30300,30305,30323,30336,92276,92277,92278,104514,106706,110473)(112901). Cardioversion has been reported to be ineffective for the reversal of aconite-induced dysrhythmia, but the use of agents such as amiodarone, lidocaine, and magnesium have been successful in some cases (2634,3490,106706,112901).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, aconite can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastric pain (563,30297,30341,92277,92278). Topically, aconite can cause nausea and vomiting (92276).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, aconite can cause weakness, sweating, restlessness, dizziness, numbness, paresthesia, seizures, and reduced consciousness (558,559,561,562,563,3490,15499,15650,30335,30336,30341,92277,92278,104513). Topically, aconite can cause generalized paresthesia, fatigue, sweating, dizziness and tongue numbness (92276).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, aconite has been reported to cause visual blurring and yellow-green vision with pupil dilation (30319).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, aconite overdose can lead to respiratory failure (104513).
Renal ...Orally and topically, aconite can cause hypokalemia and metabolic and/or respiratory acidosis (558,559,561,562,563,3490,15499,15650).
Other
...Orally and topically, aconite has been reported to cause death in both adults and children (559,3490,3491,30301,30334,30341,92276,92278).
In one case report, topical application of aconite to an infant led to cardiogenic shock with multi-organ failure and death (92276). Poisoning has been reported in 15 patients after consuming a homemade liquor containing aconite. Patients presented with tongue or extremity numbness, vomiting, dizziness, or heart palpitations, and 5 died (110471). Death has also been reported in individuals who cooked aconite tubers as vegetables or for health purposes (92278).
The first symptoms of aconite poisoning after oral ingestion of the leaves or root usually occur within 10-90 minutes, although toxicity may be delayed until a second or third dose (559,15499,104513,110471). Recovery time from aconite poisoning ranges from 1.5-2 days for mild intoxication to 7-9 days for patients with cardiovascular complications; fatalities in treated patients are about 5% (15499). Treatment of aconite toxicity is typically supportive, although charcoal hemoperfusion has aided in detoxification (15499,106706).
General
...Orally, borage seed oil seems to be well tolerated.
However, borage plant parts, such as the leaf, flower, and seed, that contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents should be avoided.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Belching, bloating, diarrhea, and soft stools.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: Borage plant parts that contain PA constituents can be hepatotoxic.
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, borage seed oil can cause soft stools, diarrhea, belching, and bloating (8013,11341).
Hepatic ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage can cause significant hepatotoxicity (12841,12842). PAs can occur in borage leaf, flower, and seed; borage seed oil contains little to no PAs. Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PA constituents has been associated with veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Subacute VOD causes vague symptoms with persistent liver enlargement (4021). Symptoms of acute VOD include colicky pains in epigastrium, vomiting and diarrhea, and ascites within several days. Enlargement and induration of the liver occurs within a few weeks (12842).
Oncologic ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage are potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic (12841,12842).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...The pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents of borage are potentially pneumotoxic (12841,12842).
General
...Orally, camphor is unsafe and can cause significant toxicity.
Topically and by inhalation, camphor seems to be generally well-tolerated.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Oral: Gastrointestinal and ocular symptoms of toxicity can occur within 5-90 minutes of ingestion. Neurological symptoms can occur with ingestion of quantities greater than 50 mg/kg.
Topically: Dermatitis and skin irritation.
Inhalation: Nose and sinus irritation.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
All routes: Systemically absorbed camphor can lead to seizures, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Cardiovascular ...Case reports of intoxication due to accidental or intentional consumption have included peripheral circulatory shock and sinus tachycardia (39649,97261). A 54-year-old female with a history of cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation developed several episodes of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation requiring use of a defibrillator after ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Dermatologic
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
In more severe toxicity, general pallor and cyanosis of the lips occur (13442,13444). Topically, camphor is not as likely to cause adverse effects. But some amount of camphor can be absorbed through intact skin. Topical use of camphor has been associated with contact eczema (13445).
Warn patients not to heat products such as Vicks VapoRub in the microwave. Serious burns have occurred when the product is superheated in the microwave (13446).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity. Symptoms of camphor toxicity occur rapidly within 5-90 minutes of ingestion. Burning of the mouth and throat, and nausea and vomiting are the first symptoms (13442,13444,39589,39626,39646,39658).
Hepatic ...Orally, camphor can cause transient elevations of liver enzymes in both adults and children. There is also a report of increased liver enzymes in an infant who received a camphor-containing topical cold remedy. The enzymes affected included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The liver enzymes normalized after stopping the topical cold formula (4608).There is also a report of increased liver enzymes in a 35-year-old adult following "coining" with a balm containing camphor, which involves applying the balm and then rubbing the area with a coin until ecchymosis. The liver enzymes normalized after stopping treatment (39576). Elevated liver enzymes were also reported in a 54-year-old female after oral ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Neurologic/CNS
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
Neurological symptoms occur with ingestion of greater than 50 mg/kg. These symptoms include irritability, exaggerated tendon reflexes, tonic muscular contraction, myoclonic jerks, seizures, confusion, coma, and apnea. Seizures are sometimes the first manifestation of serious toxicity (13442,13444,39560,39589,39629,39646,39649,39658,39660). In children under 6 years of age, doses as low as 700-800 mg, and possibly as low as 500 mg, have caused serious seizures, resulting in respiratory failure and death (13442,13444,39589). Asymptomatic patients who have ingested camphor should be observed for at least 3 hours in a hospital. A 12-hour observation period may be prudent as seizures have occurred 9 hours after ingestion in apparently recovering patients. In patients who survive, symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours, although there are reports of persistent abnormalities for days to weeks. Long-term sequelae have not been reported after resolution of symptoms (13442,13443). In one case, a 10-year-old boy who intentionally ingested cold remedy transdermal patches containing a total of camphor 300 mg experienced mental status changes and tremulousness (39626).
Topically, camphor is not as likely to cause adverse effects, but small amounts can be absorbed through intact skin. A considerable amount of camphor can also be absorbed when inhaled. Excessive use of camphor, either topically or by inhalation, can result in the development of systemic toxicity (13445,39666). Topically and by inhalation, camphor has been associated with the occurrence of seizures. In one prospective observational study, there were 20 reports of new onset seizures and 29 reports of recurrent seizures in adults and children after use of camphor, either alone or in combination with eucalyptus oil. Most cases of seizure with topical use occurred 0.5-24 hours after topical application to the chest, neck, or face. Most cases of seizure with inhalation occurred about 2-30 minutes after steam inhalation of camphor (105028).
Ocular/Otic
...Orally, camphor can cause significant toxicity.
Ocular symptoms such as mydriasis and darkening of vision may occur (13442,13444). There is a case report of blurry vision following accidental ingestion of camphor (39667).
There is a case report of self-inflicted conjunctival inflammation after using camphor in the eyes (39624). Warn patients not to heat products such as Vicks VapoRub in the microwave. Eye injury has occurred when the product is superheated in the microwave (13446).
Pulmonary/Respiratory
...When inhaled in large enough concentrations, camphor can irritate the nose and sinuses.
However, it is difficult to determine a safe concentration of inhaled camphor (105033).
A 54-year-old females with a history of asthma developed shortness of breath, hypoxemia, and respiratory acidosis after oral ingestion of Vicks VapoRub, containing 4.8% camphor. She had been taking 7.5 grams of the product weekly, and took an additional 150 grams the week prior to admission. After discontinuing all camphor-containing products and receiving supportive measures, the patient's symptoms and laboratory abnormalities returned to normal (97260).
Other ...A smell of camphor from the breath and body have been reported following oral intake of camphor (39560,39589,97261).
General
...Orally, topically, or via inhalation, colloidal silver can cause serious adverse effects.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
All routes of administration: An irreversible deposition of silver in the skin and mucous membranes with chronic use or high doses can cause a grey-blue discoloration known as argyria. Colloidal silver has also been associated with vision loss and organ damage.
Dermatologic ...Orally, topically, or via inhalation, long-term use of colloidal silver can lead to an irreversible deposition of silver compounds in the mucous membranes, skin, and nails. This condition, which is known as argyria, has been described in numerous case reports (5525,8148,8149,10647,10648,12092,44474,44493,44498,44501)(44514,44523,44528,44538,44540,44547,44593,44638,44649,44726)(44788,44825,44815,92137,92138,92139,96760,102571,102572,102573)(102575,112289). Argyria is characterized by a blueish-gray discoloration which occurs when the silver compounds from colloidal silver are reduced to elemental silver (44474,92139). Since sunlight catalyzes the reduction of silver compounds to elemental silver, sun exposed regions are usually most affected (92138,92139). The blueish-gray discoloration also occurs because colloidal silver can stimulate melanin production in skin (92139). Argyria typically first appears in the gingiva with a slate-blue silver line (5525). It can also occur in the fingernails, where it may be an early sign of silver ingestion and is also known as azure lunula (8149,10648,112289). Argyria usually occurs after ingestion of 4-5 grams of colloidal silver (92138). Although the blueish-gray discoloration associated with argyria is permanent, laser treatment may be used to lighten the skin (92139).
Hematologic ...Intravenously, severe anemia and leukopenia with elevated serum ferritin have been reported in various patients given colloidal silver. In one case, a 30‐year‐old female experienced severe anemia 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. The anemia associated with colloidal silver is related to a decline in serum levels of copper, which is needed for the production of hemoglobin (102570).
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 (102572). 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 (102570).
Neurologic/CNS ...At least two cases of myoclonic seizures have been reported after the use of homemade colloidal silver preparations (44485,44649). 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 (44485). 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 (44649). 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 (112290).
Ocular/Otic ...Chronic ingestion or inhalation of colloidal silver may cause silver deposition in the eye. This condition is known as ocular argyrosis, which is characterized by a blueish-gray discoloration of the eye (44514,102571). In one case report, chronic use of oral colloidal silver over 9 years resulted in a 2-week history of loss of vision in one eye (102571). Topically, use of eye drops containing colloidal silver can also cause this condition (44821). In one report, a case of ocular argyrosis reportedly occurred in a patient with long-standing herpetic keratitis after only one treatment with eye drops consisting of a 1% solution of colloidal silver (44822).
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 (102574).
Renal ...Orally, glomerulonephritis has been reported in a 47-year-old female who took colloidal silver to treat her T-cell lymphoma. She was treated with hemodialysis, intravenous methylprednisolone, and intravenous cyclophosphamide (102575).