Definition of Mercurochrome

Mercurochrome, banned in the United States in 1998, is a substance once used as a topical antiseptic. The primary component was mercury. While there were many forms of the compound, Mercurochrome was a trademarked name of the product.

How It Worked

• Mercury can affect the brain.

  The mercury content of Mercurochrome worked by interfering with the growth of bacteria. A potential side effect was the interference with human brains, kidneys and fetuses.

  Mercury poisoning results in neurological difficulties, including numbness, vision impairment, seizures, shaking and tremors.

Mercurochrome's Reputation

• While the anti-mercury sentiment in the United States came from many forms of potential mercury poisoning, the anti-Mercurochrome sentiment stemmed from the sting resulting from the topical antiseptic when packaged dissolved in either alcohol or acetone. The sting resulted from the alcohol or acetone and not the actual mercury content of the product. A less popular water-based form was available and carried no stinging but was also banned.

  The type of mercury in Mercurochrome could be harmful to humans if left on the skin for extended periods or if ingested. While the negative symptoms would show up only after years of exposure, the focus of public outcry was on the widespread availability of the potentially harmful substance in the marketplace.

Marketing Mercury

• Mercury entered the American market in three forms---elemental, inorganic and organic--all of which came under fire for potential human health hazards. Elemental mercury could be found in thermometers and dental fillings, inorganic mercury was used in batteries, and organic mercury could be found in Mercurochrome and in fish that had consumed mercury.

Banning Mercurochrome

• In the late 1970s, products containing mercury came under fire for their potentially harmful effects on humans. By the late 1990s, Mercurochrome was taken off the American market by the Food and Drug Administration but is still available in other countries, including China.

Returning to America

• Mercurochrome entered the market at a time when companies were not required to test their products before garnering government approval. The product was initially grandfathered in, but following the public outcry against mercury, the FDA banned it, leaving the door open for a company to conduct testing and gain approval. While some consumers are advocating for a return of Mercurochrome to the American marketplace as of 2010, some are ordering it from other nations. If an American pharmaceutical company does the appropriate testing, the product may make a comeback.