Find a Doctor Employment at WakeMed Events & Education For Physicians For Employees Contact Us

Health Care Encyclopedia

Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Mercuric chloride

Definition:

Poisoning from overdose of mercuric chloride.



Poisonous Ingredient:
  • mercuric chloride


Where Found:

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.



Symptoms:

Home Treatment:

If you suspect possible poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 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.



Before Calling Emergency:

Determine the following:

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


Poison Control, or a local emergency number:

For any ingestion or exposure, seek emergency medical care immediately.

If you suspect possible poisoning, call 1-800-222-1222 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 any containers with you to the emergency room, if possible.



What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

  • The use of gastric lavage.
  • Induction of vomiting.
  • Administration of activated charcoal.
  • Administration of a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).
  • Administration of an antidote.
  • Treatment of the symptoms.


Expectations (prognosis):

This substance is very toxic. The ultimate outcome for the patient often depends on what happens within the first 10 to 15 minutes after swallowing it.

If the poisoning has been due to slow, long-term accumulation, any mental deterioration may be permanent.




Review Date: 2/19/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Heart Center
Women's Pavilion & Birthplace
Children's Center
Center for Patient Safety
Emergency Services/Trauma
Rehab


To read our disclaimer, click here