SilvaPlex 100

SilvaPlex 100

SilvaPlex 100 is an aqueous solution containing chelated silver at a concentration of 100 ppm (parts per million). Also known as SilvaPlex Natural Immune Support, the product is used in veterinary practice for nebulization in horses, for example with a Flexineb nebulizer.

Silver compounds are known for their antimicrobial properties. Scientific laboratory studies have demonstrated that certain silver solutions can retain antibacterial and antiviral activity after nebulization. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of nebulized SilvaPlex in horses have not yet been adequately investigated.

Properties and benefits

SilvaPlex 100 contains chelated silver stabilized in an aqueous solution using Ag21™ technology. The antimicrobial activity of silver depends on several factors, including its chemical form, concentration, exposure time, and the microorganism involved.

SilvaPlex 100 contains a lower silver concentration than SilvaPlex 200. However, this difference does not necessarily mean that either formulation is clinically more effective or safer than the other.

Scientific research

Dr. Thibault Frippiat has published two peer-reviewed scientific studies as first author investigating the antimicrobial properties of nebulized silver nanoparticles.

Antibacterial activity (2021)

An in vitro study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science investigated the bactericidal activity of silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and Actinobacillus equuli subsp. equuli. Both bacterial species showed susceptibility to silver nanoparticles. Following nebulization, complete inhibition of bacterial growth was demonstrated for A. equuli at a concentration of 100 ppm. Higher concentrations were required to achieve complete growth inhibition of S. zooepidemicus.

Antiviral activity (2023)

A subsequent study published in Virology investigated the virucidal activity of nebulized silver nanoparticles against equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and murine norovirus. A substantial reduction in EHV-1 infectivity was demonstrated after nebulization. In contrast, no significant reduction in murine norovirus infectivity was observed following nebulization.

Both studies were conducted under laboratory conditions. Their findings provide a scientific basis for further investigation but do not establish the clinical efficacy or safety of SilvaPlex 100 in horses.

Scientific publications:

• Frippiat et al. (2021) – Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
• Frippiat et al. (2023) – Virology.

Composition

SilvaPlex 100 contains Ag21™ chelated silver and distilled water.

Directions for use and dosage

SilvaPlex 100 is used in veterinary practice through nebulization, for example with a Flexineb nebulizer.

Veterinary practice recommendation: 10 mL per nebulization session, twice daily (20 mL per day in total), for 7 days to 3 weeks.

Always follow the attending veterinarian’s individual recommendations regarding dosage, administration frequency, and duration of use.

Use a clean nebulizer and do not mix SilvaPlex with other solutions or medications in the same nebulizer chamber without prior veterinary advice.

This dosage is based on a veterinary practice protocol and does not represent a clinically validated standard dosage. The safety of repeated inhalation of this formulation in horses has not been adequately investigated.

Packaging and duration of use

SilvaPlex 100 is available in 236 mL and 472 mL bottles.

• 236 mL: approximately 11 days of use at 10 mL twice daily.
• 472 mL: approximately 23 days of use at 10 mL twice daily.

One 472 mL bottle is sufficient for a treatment period of 3 weeks at the recommended dosage.

Store the product according to the instructions on the packaging and protect it from light.

Advice from the equine veterinarian

Nebulization allows substances to be delivered directly to the horse’s respiratory tract. The resulting effects and safety depend on the formulation, aerosol characteristics, and administered dose.

In my scientific research published in 2021 and 2023, I demonstrated that certain silver nanoparticles can retain antibacterial and antiviral activity after nebulization. The bacteriological study specifically included a concentration of 100 ppm. These findings provide an interesting basis for further research, but the clinical efficacy and safety of SilvaPlex in horses remain to be established.

In horses presenting with coughing, nasal discharge, abnormal breathing, or reduced performance, I recommend investigating the underlying cause first. Depending on the clinical findings, respiratory endoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, and microbiological testing may be indicated.

SilvaPlex 100 should not be considered a proven alternative to targeted treatment of bacterial or viral respiratory infections. Nebulization should only be performed under veterinary supervision.