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

Merbromin

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

Bladder and kidneys

• Decreased urine output (may stop completely)

Lungs

• Breathing difficulty (severe)

Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat

• Swelling in the throat (can be severe and completely close the throat)
• Thirst
• Metallic taste
• Excessive saliva
• Mouth sores

Gastrointestinal

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

Nervous system

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

Heart and blood

• Shock

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

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.

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

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