What it is used for
- Historical use as a topical antiseptic for selected skin infections or lesions; this is no longer recommended
- Historical use for skin lightening or blemishes; it is not currently regarded as safe or effective
How it is used
- Do not start or apply this ointment; ask a doctor or pharmacist for a safer alternative
- If you used it, stop further exposure, wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly, and contact a clinician or poison centre for advice
- Prevent others from touching the ointment or contaminated towels and clothing, especially children and pregnant people
- Seal the pack inside a leak-proof bag or container and ask the hazardous-waste service how to dispose of it
Possible side effects
- Rash, itching, inflammation or skin discolouration
- Tremor, numbness, mood or memory change, or altered vision or hearing
- Kidney injury with reduced urine, swelling or raised blood pressure
- Poisoning of household members through contact or contaminated towels and clothing
Who should not use it
- Any routine therapeutic or cosmetic skin use because of mercury-poisoning risk
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or use in children
- Application to broken or inflamed skin or over a large area
- Allergy to mercury compounds or any ointment ingredient
Before and while using it
- Mercury can accumulate with repeated use and toxicity may appear after exposure has continued
- Babies, children and pregnant people are especially vulnerable to effects on brain and nervous-system development
- Household members can be exposed even when they did not apply the ointment themselves
- Tremor, confusion, weakness, numbness, reduced urine or swelling needs urgent medical assessment with disclosure of mercury exposure
- Do not heat or burn the pack or empty it into a sink, toilet or ordinary rubbish
- A clinician may arrange mercury and kidney tests according to exposure and symptoms; do not attempt a home detoxification remedy
Medicine interactions
- Any other mercury-containing medicine or product adds cumulative exposure; stop the exposure source and seek advice
- Tell the clinician about medicines that can affect the kidneys because mercury poisoning can increase kidney-injury risk
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Do not use it during pregnancy because mercury can harm fetal brain and nervous-system development
- Do not use it while breastfeeding because mercury can enter milk and harm the infant; seek assessment after exposure
How to store it
- Do not keep it for use; keep the pack tightly closed and double-contained away from children and animals until safe disposal
- Treat the pack and contaminated towels or clothing as mercury-containing waste under the responsible service's instructions
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.