Nitromersol (metaphen) is a
mercury-containing
organic compound
In chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate (form chains with other carbon atoms), millions of organic compounds are known. Th ...
that is primarily used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is a brown-yellow solid that has no odor or taste, does not irritate the skin or
mucous membranes
A mucous membrane or mucosa is a membrane that lines various cavities in the body of an organism and covers the surface of internal organs. It consists of one or more layers of epithelial cells overlying a layer of loose connective tissue. It is ...
, and has no impact on rubber or metallic instruments, including surgical and dental tools.
[
This compound is a confirmed animal ]carcinogen
A carcinogen is any substance, radionuclide, or radiation that promotes carcinogenesis (the formation of cancer). This may be due to the ability to damage the genome or to the disruption of cellular metabolic processes. Several radioactive sub ...
. It can emit toxic fumes of NOx and mercury vapor when heated.[ In 1998, use of nitromersol (and other mercury-containing products) as OTC first-aid antiseptics and products for ]diaper rash
Irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD, also called a diaper/nappy rash) is a generic term applied to skin rash in the diaper nappy area that are caused by various skin disorders and/or irritants.
Generic irritant diaper/nappy dermatitis is characteriz ...
and vaginal contraceptive
Birth control, also known as contraception, anticonception, and fertility control, is the use of methods or devices to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Birth control has been used since ancient times, but effective and safe methods of birth contr ...
s was disallowed by the FDA.[ Nitromersol can cause hypersensitivity reactions.][
It is still in use as a preservative for vaccines and antitoxins.
]
See also
*
* Phenylmercuric nitrate
Phenylmercuric nitrate is an organomercury compound with powerful antiseptic and antifungal effects. It was once commonly used as a topical solution for disinfecting wounds, but as with all organomercury compounds it is highly toxic, especially ...
- an organomercury compound with powerful antiseptic and antifungal effects
References
{{Mercury compounds
Antiseptics
Disinfectants
Organomercury compounds