Merthiolate overdose

Home treatment:

Thimerosal is poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract and a serious poisoning is unlikely. However, for extreme overdoses, call Poison Control.

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.

What to expect at the emergency room:

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

• Use gastric lavage (must be done carefully).
• Administer activated charcoal.
• Administer a cathartic (a medication used to evacuate the bowels).
• Give an antidote.
• Treat the symptoms.

Expectations (prognosis):

Because a serious poisoning is unlikely, recovery is very probable.