[Lethal mercury poisoning due to ingestion of merthiolate]

A case of mercurial poisoning caused by ingestion of an organic mercurial compound, thimerosal, found in local antiseptic solutions. The clinical picture consisted of grave neurological symptoms which were not reversed by penicillamine and resin administration despite rapid plasma level reduction of mercury. We call attention to this case because of the widespread availability of antiseptic solutions containing mercurial compounds and alcohol.