ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Mercuric chloride

Definition

Mercuric chloride is a very poisonous form of mercury. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing mercuric chloride.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Mercuric chloride

Where Found

Mercuric chloride may be found in some:

• Antiseptics
• Dry cell batteries

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain (severe)
• Breathing difficulty - severe
• Decreased urine output (may stop completely)
• Diarrhea (bloody)
• Drooling
• Metallic taste
• Mouth lesions
• Pain in the throat and mouth - severe
• Shock
• Swelling in the throat - may be severe
• Vomiting

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

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

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national 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 U.S. 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.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control center.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The patient may receive:

• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• Medicines to treat symptoms
• Medicines called chelators to remove mercury from the bloodstream
• Methods to make the person vomit (throw up)

Outlook (Prognosis)

This substance is very poisonous. How well the patiend does often depends on what symptoms occur within the first 10 to 15 minutes after swallowing it and how quickly treatment is received. Kidney failure and death can occur, even with small doses.

If the poisoning has occured slowly over time, any brain damage may be permanent.