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Health Information Encyclopedia - Poison


Merthiolate

Definition:

Merthiolate overdose is poisoning from an overdose of merthiolate.



Poisonous Ingredient:

Thimerosal



Where Found:
  • Merthiolate
  • Some eye drops
  • Some nasal drops


Symptoms:

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 may be performed or given:

  • Activated charcoal
  • A�cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels)
  • An antidote
  • Treatment of�the symptoms


Expectations (prognosis):

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




Review Date: 5/10/2005
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.

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