Mercuric chloride

Definition

Poisoning from overdose of mercuric chloride.

Poisonous Ingredient

• mercuric chloride

Where Found

• some dry cell batteries
• some antiseptics

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• body as a whole
  • metallic taste
  • decreased urine output (may stop completely)
  • salivation
  • mouth lesions
  • shock
• respiratory -- extreme difficulty breathing
• eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  • severe pain in the throat and mouth
  • swelling within the throat which may be severe
• gastrointestinal
  • abdominal pain (severe)
  • vomiting (profuse)
  • diarrhea (bloody)

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.

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mercuric chloride