Thimerosal is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract and serious poisoning is unlikely. However, if you are concerned about a possible overdose, contact your local poison control center for advice.
Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following:
The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
When it was swallowed
The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
If you are concerned about a Merthiolate overdose or poisoning, seek medical care at your nearest emergency room. See poison control centers for the national telephone number. Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following may be performed or given:
Activated charcoal
A cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels)
An antidote
Treatment of the symptoms
Expectations (prognosis):
Because a serious poisoning is unlikely, full recovery is very probable.
Review Date: 5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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