ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Merbromin overdose

Definition

Mebromin is a germ-killing (antiseptic) liquid. Mebromin overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this substance.

Alternative Names

Poisonous Ingredient

Merbromin

Where Found

Merbromin is found in some antiseptics. A common brand name is Mercurochrome. Mercury-containing compounds like this have not been legally sold in the U.S. since 1998.

Symptoms

• Bladder and kidneys
  • Decreased urine output (may stop completely)
• Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat
  • Excessive saliva
  • Metallic taste
  • Mouth sores
  • Swelling in the throat (can be severe and completely close the throat)
  • Thirst
• Gastrointestinal
  • Diarrhea (bloody)
  • Stomach pain (severe)
  • Vomiting
• Heart and blood
  • Shock
• Lungs
  • Breathing difficulty (severe)
• Nervous system
  • Dizziness
  • Memory problems
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Speech difficulties

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:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of product (ingredients and strength, 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

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

• Activated charcoal
• Laxative
• Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to wash out the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well you do depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster you get medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

If you take medicine to reverse the poison (antidote) within 1 week, recovery is usually likely. If the poisoning has occurred over a long period of time, some mental problems may be permanent.