Health Library

Merbromin poisoning

Cinfacrom poisoning; Mercurochrome poisoning

Merbromin is a germ-killing (antiseptic) liquid. Merbromin poisoning occurs when someone swallows this substance. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This article is for information only. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual poison exposure. If you or someone you are with has an exposure, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

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Poisonous Ingredient

Merbromin is a combination of mercury and bromine. It is harmful if it is swallowed.

Where Found

Merbromin is found in some antiseptics. A common brand name is Mercurochrome, which contains mercury. Compounds like this that contain mercury have not been legally sold in the United States since 1998.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of merbromin poisoning in different parts of the body.

BLADDER AND KIDNEYS

• Decreased urine output (may stop completely)
• Kidney damage

EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT

• Excessive saliva
• Inflammation of the gums
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Mouth sores
• Swelling in the throat (can be severe and completely close the throat)
• Swollen salivary glands
• Thirst

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

• 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
• Tremor
• Mood or personality changes
• Insomnia

Home Care

Get medical help right away. Do not make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

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

Poison Control

The local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline 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 United States 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.

You can also get online poison help now at Poisonhelp.org. Just enter the product, poison, or medicine to get expert help.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

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

Your provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

Tests that may be done include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Chest x-ray
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Endoscopy -- camera placed down the throat to check for burns in the esophagus and stomach

Treatment may include:

• Breathing support, including tube through the mouth into the lungs and connected to a breathing machine (ventilator)
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Laxatives
• Medicine 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 someone does depends on how much merbromin was swallowed and how quickly treatment is received. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.

If the person takes an antidote to reverse the poison within 1 week, recovery is usually likely. If the poisoning has occurred over a long period of time, some mental and nervous system problems may be permanent.

References

Aronson JK. Mercury and mercurial salts. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. 16th ed. Waltham, MA: Elsevier; 2016:844-852.

Meehan TJ. Care of the poisoned patient. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 135.

Nelson LS, Calello DP. Acute poisoning. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 96.

Theobald JL, Mycyk MB. Iron and heavy metals. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 146.

Review Date: 10/14/2025  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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