Coated Colloidal Silver vs. Antibiotics
Bacteria resistance has grown immensely since the accidental discovery of penicillin. Microorganisms have a high potential to be genetically transformed. Antibiotics could once tackle a broad spectrum of infection-causing bacteria. However, these days, selective use of antibiotics is practiced because of the threat they pose to public health. The list of multi-drug-resistant bacteria is getting longer by the day.
The race to find a viable alternative to antibiotics, thus, is on. Other factors are under consideration. Perhaps the two factors that are most closely examined are safety and efficacy. Silver is one of the most promising alternatives that can kill bacteria and viruses. It takes at a relatively low concentration of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) to get the job done [1].*
How do coated colloidal silver and antibiotics work?
Both antibiotics and silver are currently used across industries. Antibiotics, such as ampicillin, continue to be prescribed to tackle infection-causing bacteria. On the other hand, the use of silver includes medical and food applications. The interaction of silver with bacteria favored its use in implants and food packaging [2]. Other than, silver is also widely used aseptically to disinfect surfaces [3].
How do antibiotics work?
Antibiotics have strong antibacterial properties. These should only be taken as prescribed by a medical professional to avoid drug resistance. Antibiotics work by either killing incubated bacteria or preventing its spread.
Antibiotics should only be used in the following instances: [4]
- If the infection is highly contagious
- If an infection can lead to more serious complications
- If the infection does not improve a person’s condition without using antibiotics
- If the infection is likely to drag on over a long period of time without the help of antibiotics
- If a person is deemed a good candidate for antibiotic prophylaxis
Does colloidal silver have an antibacterial effect?
Colloidal silver has antimicrobial properties. Also known as nanosilver, it has been shown to have negative effects on harmful microorganisms. Colloidal silver can kill bacteria, but also viruses and some strains of fungi. [5]
Scientists are also examining the potential of AgNPs to tackle deadly viruses. Among those being studied are isolated viruses of Tacaribe [6], Censored by FDA [7], and many others (Censored by FTC) [8].
FDA Disclaimer: Coated Silver is not supposed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Even at very low ppm, nanosilver can inhibit bacterial growth. Surgical implant surfaces are now routinely lined with silver nanoparticles to make them sterile. Without this protective coating, biofilm forms around the implant. Biofilm consists of potentially harmful microorganisms that can lead to surgical site infections. [9]
Another popular therapeutic use of silver is in speeding up and enhancing wound healing. These days, it’s typical for bandages to be lined with silver nanoparticles. [10]
Coated Colloidal Silver and Antibiotics: Mechanism of Action
Before the discovery of antibiotics, silver was widely prescribed in its place. It might be surprising for many of us who have grown accustomed to using antibiotics to know this. The return of silver to mainstream use will likely not replace antibiotics but rather, complement it.*
Colloidal silver and antibiotics exhibit similar mechanisms of action. Both act on bacterial infections in the same manner. In general, here’s what happens when silver enters the body which is quite the same for antibiotics:*
- First, colloidal silver breaks through the membrane of the bacteria involved. Once the cell is breached, it gives silver better access to the cell’s genetic material. [11]*
- Next, colloidal silver deprives the bacteria of nutrients and oxygen. This eventually causes increased toxicity, causing the bacteria to die. [12]*
- Finally, colloidal silver stops bacteria’s ability to reproduce or replicate. [13]*
5 ml
83 drops
20000 PPM
15 ml
250 drops
20000 PPM
30 ml
500 drops
20000 PPM
What are the benefits of coated colloidal silver compared with antibiotics?
Despite their similarities, Coated colloidal Silver and antibiotics differ in the following ways:*
- Unlike antibiotics, coated colloidal silver does not cause bacterial resistance*
- Colloidal silver works instantly*
- Colloidal silver is not known to cause serious side effects*
- Colloidal silver may be taken with other medications and even with alcohol*
- Immune response and beneficial bacteria are not adversely affected by coated silver*
- You may stop taking coated colloidal silver abruptly without worrying about consequences*
It must be noted that nanosilver comes in a variety of preparations. Its form affects its activity in relation to bacteria and the human body. Those containing positively-charged silver ions are highly reactive. These will behave differently from coated colloidal silver. It consists of neutral ions compared to the neutrally-charged ions which are non-reactive.*
Can you take colloidal silver and antibiotics at the same time?
It is also safe to take colloidal silver and antibiotics at the same time. There is no conclusive evidence to show considerable risks when taking both together.* It’s also safe to take coated colloidal silver and probiotics. *
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
**The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Coated SilverⓇ site.
- Morris S, Cerceo E. Trends, Epidemiology, and Management of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in the Hospitalized Setting. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(4):196. Published 2020 Apr 20. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9040196 Access Date: 12 Apr 2021
- Sim W, Barnard RT, Blaskovich MAT, Ziora ZM. Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade (2007⁻2017). Antibiotics (Basel). 2018;7(4):93. Published 2018 Oct 26. doi:10.3390/antibiotics7040093. Access Date: 12 Apr 2021
- Deshmukh SP, Patil SM, Mullani SB, Delekar SD. Silver nanoparticles as an effective disinfectant: A review. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2019;97:954-965. doi:10.1016/j.msec.2018.12.102 Access Date: 16 Apr 2021
- National Health Service, UK. Overview: Antibiotics. Access Date: 12 Apr 2021
- Morrill K, et.al. Spectrum of antimicrobial activity associated with ionic colloidal silver. J of Alt and Comp Med. 2013; 19(3). 20 Mar 2013 Access Date: 12 Apr 2021
- Speshock JL, Murdock RC, Braydich-Stolle LK, et al. Interaction of silver nanoparticles with Tacaribe virus. J Nanobiotechnol 8, 19 (2010). Access Date: 16 Apr 2021
- Rogers JV, Parkinson CV, Choi YW, Speshock JL, Hussain SM. A Preliminary Assessment of Silver Nanoparticle Inhibition of Monkeypox Virus Plaque Formation. Nanoscale Res Lett. 2008;3(4):129-133. Published 2008 Apr 9. doi:10.1007/s11671-008-9128-2 Access Date: 16 Apr 2021
- Jeremiah SS, Miyakawa K, Morita T, Yamaoka Y, Ryo A. Potent antiviral effect of silver nanoparticles on ***** (Censored by FTC). Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2020;533(1):195-200. doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.018 Access Date: 16 Apr 2021
- Estevez MB, Raffaelli S, Mitchell SG, Faccio R, Alborés S. Biofilm Eradication Using Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles. Molecules. 2020;25(9):2023. Published 2020 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/molecules25092023. Access Date: 12 Apr 2021
- Tian J, et.al. Topical delivery of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing. ChemMedChem. 2007 Jan;2(1):129-36. doi: 10.1002/cmdc.200600171. Access Date: 8 Feb 2021
- 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. PMID: 18245232; PMCID: PMC2292600. Access Date: 8 Feb 2021.
- Morones-Ramirez JR, Winkler JA, Spina CS, Collins JJ. Silver enhances antibiotic activity against gram-negative bacteria. Sci Transl Med. 2013 Jun 19;5(190):190ra81. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3006276. PMID: 23785037; PMCID: PMC3771099. Access Date: 8 Feb 2021
- Yoshikuni Y, Takayuki S, Hidetoshi U, and Tatsuya Y. Kinetic studies of the interaction between silver ion and deoxyribonucleic acid. Chemistry Letters 1980 9:4, 373-376. Access Date: 8 Feb 2021
