Definition 
Poisoning from an overdose of chlormerodrin.

Poisonous Ingredient 

 
• chlormerodrin (a form of mercury)

Where Found 

 
• Neohydrin, Mercloran (mercurial diuretics)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms 

 
• body as a whole       o thirst       o metallic taste       o less urine output       o no urine output       o salivation       o red, inflamed areas in the mouth       o shock  
• respiratory       o extreme difficulty breathing  
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat       o swelling within the throat that may be severe  
• gastrointestinal       o abdominal pain       o vomiting       o diarrhea

Home Treatment 

Seek emergency medical care immediately.

The standard procedure is to induce vomiting unless the patient is unconscious or experiencing convulsions. Before inducing vomiting, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for verification.

If instructed to induce vomiting, the standard procedure is as follows:

 
• Give ipecac syrup: 15 milliliters (ml) or 1 TABLEspoonful for children and 30 ml (2 TABLEspoonsful) for an adult.  
• Follow with 1/2 glass or 4 ounces (oz.) of water for children or 8 to 12 oz. of water for adults.  
• Repeat 1 more time in 1/2 hour if vomiting has not occurred.

Before Calling Emergency 

Determine the following information:

 
• 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  
• if the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number 
In the event of an accidental exposure, seek medical care immediately. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room 

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

 
• Administer activated charcoal.  
• Use gastric lavage.  
• Administer a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).  
• Give an antidote.  
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis) 
The outcome depends on the amount of exposure and how long it took before proper treatment began. If the poisoning has been over a long period of time, recovery may not be complete.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.