Mercurochrome
Indications
South African indications:
- Skin antiseptic
- Skin disinfectant
Cautions
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any of its excipients
- Hypersensitivity to any mercury compound
Cautions
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Elderly
- Contact with eyes and mucous membranes
Adult dosage
Forms avail. in SA and covered in this monograph: liq
Skin Antiseptic
Skin Disinfectant
- Topical (liq): Apply a small quantity to the affected area, once or twice per day (frequent use as an out-patient antiseptic is not recommended)
Paediatric dosage
No information available
Special populations
Pregnancy
- Inadequate data to determine risk
Breastfeeding
Renal Impairment
Hepatic Impairment
Elderly
Porphyria Information
Drugs in Sport
- Non-regulated product: Authorities caution athletes against the risk of using these products
Adverse reactions
Central Nervous System Disorders
- Meningo-encephalitis
Genitourinary Disorders
- Nephrotic syndrome
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
- Contact dermatitis
- Epidermal cell toxicity
Immune, Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
- Acrodynia
Interactions
No significant interactions
Monitoring
None routine
Mechanism of action
Mercurochrome is an antiseptic agent used for disinfection of skin and wounds.
Dosage forms
- Solution
Formulation
Mercurochrome solution is available in several formulations in the following strengths: 2% v/v. Please consult your pharmacy for the various products available.
References
1. Pharmacologist 2. PI: Mercurochrome solution 1%, Quatromed Ltd: Date of Registration 26 Sep 1974 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B0xnChtF7vduMEIyWnhFLUxJYTg (26/09/1974_Quatromed_Red Seal Mercurochrome sol 1%_Intekom) 3. SAMF_12th Edition_Page 205 4. NAPOS The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria: Mercurochrome; Accessed online 12 September 2018 http://www.drugs-porphyria.org/languages/UnitedKingdom/s1.php?l=gbr 5. South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport: Mercurochrome; Accessed online 12 September 2018 http://www.drugfreesport.org.za/online-medication-check/ **Pharmacologist References • Micromedex medicine solutions. • Martindale the complete drug reference, 36th edition. • Risher JF, et al. Organic mercury compounds: human exposure and its relevance to public health. Toxicol Ind Health 2002; 18: 109–60. • Yeh T-F, et al. Mercury poisoning from mercurochrome therapy of infected omphalocele. Lancet 1978; i: 210. • Yeh TF, et al. Mercury poisoning from mercurochrome therapy of an infected omphalocele. Clin Toxicol 1978; 13: 463–7. • Slee PHTJ, et al. A case of Merbromin (mercurochrome) intoxication possibly resulting in aplastic anemia. Acta Med Scand 1979; 205: 463–6. • Stark AM, et al. Accidental intrathecal mercury application. Eur Spine J 2004; 13: 241–3. • SAMF 12th edition. • https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~jCrAg7:3 6. (1) Clinical Pharmacologist - Dr. M Irhuma 7. AfriTox: Mercurochrome; Last accessed online 20 July 2020 [https://www.afritox.co.za/hp/SingleToxin/SingleToxin.aspx?SingleToxinID=6249]
Brands & products
5 products · stale NAPPI snapshot · refreshed 5/29/2026 · 158 days oldointmentGeneric· 4 products
from R0.47/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achromide | - mg/40g | 500 | S4 | R234.28 | R0.47 | R89.66 | 700363041 |
| Ams | 1 mg/g | 500 | S4 | R329.84 | R0.66 | R115.95 | 806137010 |
| A.m.s. (stx) | 1 mg/g | 25 | S4 | R34.58 | R1.38 | R23.85 | 806137002 |
| Vernleigh Ointment | 250 g/100g | 30 | S4 | R51.96 | R1.73 | R29.86 | 775649007 |
vialGeneric· 1 product
from R4.92/unit| Product | Strength | Pack | Sched | SEP | Unit | Disp fee | NAPPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adco-ipratropium (ni201) | - g/1000ml | 2 | S2 | R590.09 | R4.92 | R171.27 | 890172003 |
Medical aid coverage
data not yet integrated- Comprehensive Series—
- Executive Plan—
- KeyCare Series—
- Priority Series—
- Saver Series—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- BonClassic—
- BonComprehensive—
- BonEssential—
- BonFit Select—
- BonSave—
- BonStart—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Beryl—
- Emerald—
- Onyx—
- Ruby—
- Sapphire—
- Tanzanite One—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.
- Aquarium Option—
- Efficiency Option—
- Marine Option—
Formulary scraper pending — coverage tier, co-pay and authorisation requirements will appear here once data is ingested.