Chlormerodrin overdose Health Article

Definition

This article discusses poisoning from an overdose of chlormerodrin. Chlormerodrin is a type of diuretic (water pill) that contains mercury. It was once used to treat patients with heart failure. The drug is no longer used by doctors in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Chlormerodrin (a form of mercury)

Where Found

• Neohydrin, Mercloran (mercurial diuretics)

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulty, severe
• Dementia
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Headache
• Little or no urine output
• Metallic taste
• Red, inflamed areas in the mouth
• Seizures
• Shock
• Swelling within the throat, may be severe
• Thirst
• Tremors
• Vomiting

Before 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
• If the medicine was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

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.

What 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
• Gastric lavage
• Medicine to empty the bowels
• Medicines to treat the symptoms

Expectations (prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery.

If the poisoning has been over a long period of time, recovery may not be complete.