Definition

This is poisoning from an overdose of merbromin, a germ-killing (antiseptic) liquid.

Alternative Names

Cinfacrom poisoning; Mercurochrome poisoning; Stellachrome poisoning

Poisonous Ingredient

Merbromin

Where Found

Merbromin is found in some antiseptics. It is commonly called mercurochrome.

Symptoms

Bladder and kidneys

  • Decreased urine output (may stop completely)

Lungs

  • Breathing difficulty (severe)

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

Gastrointestinal

  • Stomach pain (severe)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (bloody)

Nervous system

  • Speech difficulties
  • Memory problems
  • Problems with balance and coordination
  • Dizziness

Heart and blood

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following:

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

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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:

  • Medicines to treat symptoms
  • Activated charcoal
  • Laxative
  • A nasogastric (NG) tube thru the nose into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)   
  • Medicine to reverse the effect of the poison

Expectations (prognosis)

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

Review Date:3/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork.