Table of Contents
Why was Merthiolate taken off the market?
Mercurochrome and another popular antiseptic of a generation or two ago, Merthiolate, contained mercury, that liquid metal health authorities have decided is toxic enough in large amounts to ban its general use, even enclosed in glass thermometers.
Can you still purchase Mercurochrome?
It had been widely used as a household antiseptic/antibacterial ointment – especially for children – because it did not sting or irritate the skin when applied; however, it is no longer sold in the U.S., partly because of its mercury content.
What is Mercurochrome good for?
merbromin, antiseptic used to prevent infection in small cuts and abrasions. Commonly marketed as Mercurochrome, merbromin was the first of a series of antiseptics that contained mercury, a chemical element that disinfects by disrupting the metabolism of a microorganism.
What is Mercurochrome solution 2% used for?
Mercurochrome is a solution, used to prevent infection in minor wounds. Useful as antiseptics because it acts as a disinfectant, stopping the bacteria from reproducing and spreading.
Is Merthiolate still in use?
The FDA banned the use of merthiolate in over-the-counter products in the late 1990s.
Do they still make Merthiolate?
What I discovered was a little unsettling. First, the FDA banned and stopped the sale of both Merthiolate and Mercurochrome in the 1990s. Seems they contain worrisome ingredients known as Thimerosal and merbromin, commonly called mercury.
What is the replacement for Mercurochrome?
Within the United States, products such as Humco Mercuroclear (“Aqueous solution of benzalkonium chloride and lidocaine hydrochloride”) play on the brand recognition history of Mercurochrome but substitute other ingredients with similar properties.
Can you put Mercurochrome on an open wound?
Applying alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, mercurochrome or iodine onto a wound can delay healing and should be avoided. Consider putting a bandage, such as an adhesive strip, on the cut or graze, especially on the hands, legs and feet. Always put an adhesive strip across a cut, and not lengthwise.
Can you drink Mercurochrome?
Ingestion: May be fatal if swallowed. May cause central nervous system depression. May cause excessive salivation and loosening of the teeth. May cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, possibly with blood.
Can you put Merthiolate in your mouth?
Do not take Merthiolate (benzalkonium chloride) by mouth. Use on your skin only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes (may burn).
Is Merthiolate safe to use?
Merthiolate Contraindications You should not use this cleanser if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients. If you are not sure what the ingredients are, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This cleanser should not be used on a regular basis over large areas of your body.
Is Mercurochrome still used?
Thimerosal is still often used to help rid skin of bacteria before medical procedures. Mercurochrome is not widely used anymore. Both Mercurochrome and Merthiolate (and iodine preparations, too) sting when applied to broken skin and can interfere with healing.
What is the best antiseptic for open wounds?
For more than a century, iodine has been regarded as one of the most efficacious antiseptic to reduce infectious complications and topical iodine forms have been used for wound treatment. The simplest form of iodine is Lugol’s solution, which has irritating and caustic properties (18).
What happens if mercury touches your skin?
If it is swallowed, like from a broken thermometer, it mostly passes through your body and very little is absorbed. If you touch it, a small amount may pass through your skin, but not usually enough to harm you.
Does Mercurochrome dry wounds?
With mercurochrome used as a local antiseptic, the eschar formation occurs in significantly less amount of time, usually on the 4th day, the reason being that Mercurochrome keeps the burn wounds dry, decreasing the exudates from the raw surface of the burns.
Is Merthiolate still made?
Is Merthiolate good for wounds?
Uses of Merthiolate: It is used to prevent skin infections. It is used to clean wounds.
Do they make Merthiolate anymore?
When do you apply antiseptic?
Antiseptic uses and indications vary. Several antiseptic agents mainly focus on cleansing intact skin and are used for prepping patients preoperatively and prior to intramuscular injections or venous punctures, pre- and postoperative scrubbing in the operating room, and hand washing by medical personnel.
What should I do if I am exposed to curechrome?
If CureChrome (benzalkonium chloride) is swallowed, call a doctor or poison control center right away. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What is the generic name for curechrome?
CureChrome Generic name: Benzalkonium Chloride (BEN zal KOE nee um klor ide) Brand name: Antimicrobial Cleanser, CureChrome, HandClens 2 in 1, Merthiolate, Neosporin Wound Cleanser Drug class: Antiseptic and germicides
How many ounces are in mercurochrome antiseptic 1oz?
MercuroChrome Antiseptic 1oz Prevent infection in cuts, scrapes and burns QTY-3 1 Make sure this fits by entering your model number. 2 Helps prevent skin infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns 3 Mercury-free First Aid Antiseptic 4 Each bottle contains 1 fl. oz. (29.62 ml) More
How do you use first aid antiseptic?
First aid antiseptic to help skin infection in minor: cuts, scrapes, burns, insect bites. For external use only. Use longer than one week unless directed by doctor. Redness, swelling or pain persists or increases. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.