April 27, 2017
Mercuric Chloride Poisoning
Mercuric chloride is a very poisonous form of mercury. It is a type of mercury salt. There are different types of mercury poisonings. This article discusses poisoning from swallowing mercuric chloride.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or a local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Back to TopPoisonous Ingredient
- Mercuric chloride
Back to TopHome Care
Seek immediate medical help. DO NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.
Back to TopBefore Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
- Time it was swallowed
- Amount swallowed
Back to TopPoison Control
In the United States, call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a local poison control center. This hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.
This is a free and confidential service. 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.
Back to TopWhat 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:
- Activated charcoal
- Medicines to treat symptoms
- Medicines called chelators to remove mercury from the bloodstream
- Methods to make the person vomit (throw up)
Back to TopOutlook (Prognosis)
This substance is very poisonous. How well the patient does often depends on what symptoms occur within the first 10 to 15 minutes after swallowing it and how quickly treatment is received. Kidney failure and death can occur, even with small doses.
If the poisoning has occurred slowly over time, any brain damage may be permanent.
Back to TopReferences
Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2006.
MOST POPULAR - HEALTH
- Global Health: Inexpensive Drug Prevents Deaths in New Mothers, Study Finds
- Anthem Threatens to Leave Health Exchanges if Subsidies Are Halted
- The New Old Age: Could Be the Thyroid; Could Be Ennui. Either Way, the Drug Isn’t Helping.
- ‘Pacemaker’ for the Brain Can Help Memory, Study Finds