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 your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison 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 ml of urine in 24 hours (a little over 2 cups)....

   

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• Drooling
• Extreme difficulty breathing

  Difficulty breathing

  Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable 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
• Shock

  Shock

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

   

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

Home Care

If you are concerned about a possible overdose, contact your local poison control center 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 strengths, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

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

Poison Control

Your local poison 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 hotline number 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. You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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
• EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• 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. Merthiolate poisoning can lead to organ failure and death.