MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Merthiolate

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Merthiolate

Contents of this page:
Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms Home Treatment	Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Definition

Poisoning from an overdose of Merthiolate.

Poisonous Ingredient

Thimerosal

Where Found

Merthiolate
Some eye drops
Some nasal drops

Symptoms

Thirst
Metallic taste
Decreased urine output
Drooling
Mouth sores
Shock
Extreme difficulty breathing
Swelling within the throat, which may be severe
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Home Treatment

Thimerosal is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract and serious poisoning is unlikely. However, if you are concerned about a possible overdose, contact your local poison control center for advice.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

If you are concerned about a Merthiolate overdose or poisoning, seek medical care at your nearest emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Giving activated charcoal.
Giving a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).
Giving an antidote.
Treating the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis)

Because a serious poisoning is unlikely, full recovery is very probable.

Update Date: 7/24/2003

Updated by: Ari Schwell, M.D., Director, Emergency Department of the Episcopal Campus of Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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