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

Home Treatment

Before inducing Vomiting, contact Poison Control to verify that is the correct treatment.

If instructed to induce Vomiting, proceed as follows or as otherwise instructed:

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

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
They will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See poison control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.