AMMONIATED MERCURY (Topical)†
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† Not commercially available in Canada.
Description
Ammoniated mercury (a-MOE-nee-ay-ted MER-kyoo-ree) is used to treat impetigo, psoriasis, minor skin infections, and other skin disorders.
This medicine is available without a prescription. Your doctor may have special instructions on the proper use of this medicine for your medical condition.
Ammoniated mercury is available in the following dosage form:
- Topical
- Ointment (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
Carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For ammoniated mercury, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ammoniated mercury. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as preservatives or dyes.
Pregnancy—Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals. However, ammoniated mercury is absorbed through the skin.
Breast-feeding—This medicine is absorbed through the skin. It is not known whether ammoniated mercury passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely in breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Use is not recommended, since children are especially sensitive to the effects of ammoniated mercury. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of ammoniated mercury in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine that is to be applied to the same area of the skin.
Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of ammoniated mercury. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Deep or open wounds or
- Serious burns—Use of ammoniated mercury on these areas may cause mercury poisoning
Proper Use of This Medicine
It is very important that you use this medicine only as directed . Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the risk of mercury poisoning.
Do not use this medicine on deep or open wounds or serious burns . To do so may cause mercury poisoning.
Keep this medicine away from the eyes .
Apply enough ointment to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.
Dosing—The dose of ammoniated mercury will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average dose of ammoniated mercury. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
- For topical dosage form (ointment):
- For bacterial infections:
- Adults—Apply to the affected area(s) of the skin one or two times a day.
- Children—Use is not recommended.
- For bacterial infections:
Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
Storage—To store this medicine:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the medicine from freezing.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Do not use any topical iodine-containing preparations (for example, iodine solution, iodine tincture, or povidone-iodine) on the same affected area as this medicine . To do so may increase the possibility of side effects. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Do not use any sulfur-containing preparations on the same affected area as this medicine . To do so may cause a foul odor, may irritate the skin, and may stain the skin black. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Skin infection or irritation not present before use of this medicineSymptoms of mercury poisoning
Cloudy urine; dizziness; headache (continuing or severe); irritation, soreness, or swelling of gums; nausea; skin rash or unusual redness of skinOther side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your health care professional.
Revised: 07/29/1994
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