Mercurochrome and another popular antiseptic of a generation or two ago, Merthiolate, contained mercury, that liquid metal health authorities have decided is toxic enough in large amounts to ban its general use, even enclosed in glass thermometers.

What is tincture Merthiolate for?

First aid antiseptic to help prevent infection in minor: cuts. scrapes. burns.

Is Merthiolate still available?

What I discovered was a little unsettling. First, the FDA banned and stopped the sale of both Merthiolate and Mercurochrome in the 1990s. Seems they contain worrisome ingredients known as Thimerosal and merbromin, commonly called mercury.

Can you still buy Merthiolate or mercurochrome?

A. Mercurochrome is a trade name for merbromin, a compound containing mercury and bromine. Merthiolate is a trade name for thimerosal, a compound containing mercury and sodium. Mercurochrome is not widely used anymore.

What is merthiolate antiseptic?

Thimerosal, a mercury-containing antiseptic discovered in 1927. of Paramount, California, as a mercury-free skin antiseptic under the name “Merthiolate” (brand name: De La Cruz)

Is merthiolate good for wounds?

Uses of Merthiolate: It is used to prevent skin infections. It is used to clean wounds.

Is Merthiolate good for wounds?

What was Merthiolate made of?

Thimerosal (Merthiolate) is an ethylmercury-containing pharmaceutical compound that is 49.55% mercury and that was developed in 1927.

What is Merthiolate antiseptic?

What were the ingredients in Merthiolate?

Ingredients

  • Ingredients. Benzalkonium Chloride 0.13%, Alcohol, Acetate, FD&C Red No. 4, Purified Water.
  • Adults and children 2 years and older: clean the affected area, apply a small amount on the area 1 to 3 times daily, may be covered with a sterile bandage. If bandaged, let dry first.
  • Warnings. For external use only.

How much mercury is in Merthiolate?

What is the red stuff you put on cuts?

Description: Mercurochrome, generically known as merbromin, is a topical antiseptic used to treat minor cuts and scrapes. When applied to a wound, the dark red color of the ointment stains the skin.

What is Merthiolate used for?

Merthiolate is a mercury-containing substance that was once widely used as germ-killer and a preservative in many different products, including vaccines. Merthiolate poisoning occurs when large amounts of the substance are swallowed or come in contact with your skin.

What are Merthiolate swabs used for?

It is used to prevent skin infections . It is used to clean wounds . What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Merthiolate? If you have an allergy to benzalkonium chloride or any other part of Merthiolate (benzalkonium chloride).

Is tincture iodine and Betadine, the same?

Iodine is a chemical element that the thyroid gland uses to synthesize thyroid hormone. If you mean tincture of iodine, this is a disinfectant, with 2-7% iodine. Betadine is less toxic to human cells than tincture of iodine.