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Mercury poisoning: treatment, prevention and prognosis
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Treatment
The main principle of treatment is the introduction of a dimercapto compound (Unithiol) into the body. This substance can form complex soluble compounds inside the body that capture and remove the metal.
This therapy is carried out by intravenous or intramuscular administration of the drug for a month.
Intravenous infusions of 30% sodium thiosulfate solution, 10-15 ml, are also used.
In recent years, experts have recommended treating mercury poisoning with mesodimercaptosuccinic acid succimer. This drug is non-toxic and does not contribute to the development of side effects. It can be taken by injection, intravenous infusion, or for internal use. Succimer removes mercury that circulates in the bloodstream, as well as that which has already entered the organs and tissues from the blood.
Patients with chronic mercury intoxication must undergo periodic treatment in sanatoriums, with a mandatory course of hydrogen sulfide baths.
Antidote
In cases of acute mercury poisoning, especially when salts such as mercury nitrate, dioxide or oxycyanide enter the digestive tract, the following drugs are used as an antidote:
- Unithiol is a preparation of two sulfhydryl groups that interact with silver fulminate. As a result of this interaction, a non-toxic compound is formed that removes the metal from the body with urine. The preparation is contraindicated in case of gastric ulcer and high blood pressure.
- Succimer is meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid, capable of binding and removing metal from the body. The drug is used with caution in patients prone to allergic reactions.
- Penicillamine (Cuprenil) - dimethylcystine hydrochloride, in addition to removing mercury compounds from the body, also has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is not used for kidney diseases. Simultaneously with the drug, as a rule, a diet rich in potassium is prescribed, with a restriction of products containing copper.
- Sodium thiosulfate – when ingested, it exhibits antitoxic, anti-inflammatory and desensitizing effects. In the acidic environment of the stomach, it decomposes with the release of sulfur and sulfur dioxide.
- Tetatsin-calcium – forms stable complex compounds with mercury ions, which are easily excreted through the urinary system. It is most often used for inhalation intoxication with fulminate of silver. In case of damage to the digestive system, the stomach should be washed before using the drug.
In everyday life, raw egg whites beaten with water or fresh milk are used as an antidote for mercury poisoning.
[ Prevention
To prevent mercury poisoning, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for handling objects, devices and preparations containing mercury, and also explain the need to use such rules to the child.
Mercury thermometers should not be stored in a visible place and without the original plastic packaging. Be sure to put the thermometer in a case and hide it away from children's pranks.
Used and damaged mercury lamps and thermometers must not be thrown into the regular trash.
If a thermometer or mercury lamp in a room is damaged, it is essential to take all measures to prevent mercury poisoning.
If symptoms of mercury poisoning occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Forecast
The prognosis for the health and work performance of a victim of mercury poisoning is usually favorable. Only in the absence of treatment for severe poisoning and failure to provide first aid can a person develop serious health problems, including disability.
Timely interruption of the metal's action and treatment usually gives a positive effect: after symptomatic therapy, physiotherapy procedures and rest in the fresh air, the symptoms caused by intoxication gradually subside.
At the same time, it should be noted that repeated poisonings and long-term intoxication are characterized by a more severe course and a less optimistic outcome. For this reason, after recovery from intoxication, as well as after the body has been restored, patients should leave their previous place of work, which was the cause of constant metal intoxication, or insist on improving working conditions and eliminating the potential risk of repeated intoxication.
Workers in industries that are in regular or ongoing contact with Hydrargyrum should undergo regular medical examinations to prevent and detect mercury poisoning early.