Merthiolate poisoning

Merthiolate is a mercury-containing substance that was once widely used as germ-killer and a preservative in many different products, including vaccines.

Merthiolate poisoning occurs when large amounts of the substance are swallowed or come in contact with your skin. Poisoning may also occur if you are exposed to small amounts of merthiolate constantly over a long period of time.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Thimerosal

Where Found

Merthiolate is found in:

• Merthiolate
• Some eye drops
• Some nasal drops

The FDA banned the use of merthiolate in over-the-counter products in the late 1990s.

Symptoms

Symptoms of merthiolate poisoning include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Decreased urine output

  Decreased urine output

  Decreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over ...

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• Drooling
• Extreme difficulty breathing

  Difficulty breathing

  Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air

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• Metallic taste
• Memory problems
• Mouth sores

  Mouth sores

  There are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....

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• Seizures

  Seizures

  A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...

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• Shock

  Shock

  Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. Lack of blood flow means the cells and organs do n...

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• Skin numbness
• Swelling in the throat, which may be severe
• Thirst
• Walking problems
• Vomiting, sometimes bloody

Home Care

If you are concerned about a possible overdose, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 - United States) for advice.

Before Calling Emergency

The following information is helpful for emergency assistance:

• Person's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

However, DO NOT delay calling for help if this information is not immediately available.

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also get online poison help now at [Poisonhelp.org www.poisonhelp.org/help/]. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

For more information about America's Poison Centers, go to poisoncenters.org.

If you go to the emergency room, take the container for the poison with you, if possible.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The person may receive:

• Airway support, including oxygen, breathing tube through the mouth (intubation), and breathing machine (ventilator)
• Blood and urine tests
• Camera down the throat (endoscopy) to see burns in the food pipe (esophagus) and stomach
• Chest x-ray

  Chest x-ray

  A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

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• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

  Electrocardiogram

  An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

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• Fluids through a vein (intravenous or IV)
• Medicines to treat symptoms, including chelators, which remove mercury from the bloodstream and may reduce long-term injury

Outlook (Prognosis)

Merthiolate poisoning is difficult to treat. How well a person does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a person gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery. Kidney dialysis (filtration) through a machine may be needed if the kidneys do not recover after acute mercury poisoning, Kidney failure and death can occur, even with small doses.