Description
Ammoniated mercury is used to treat impetigo, psoriasis, minor skin infections, and other skin disorders.
This medicine is available without a prescription.
Before Using
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
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 this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
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.
Geriatric
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.
Drug Interactions
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 healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. 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
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 this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- 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
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Precautions
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
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 medicine
Symptoms of mercury poisoning
- Cloudy urine
- dizziness
- headache (continuing or severe)
- irritation, soreness, or swelling of gums
- nausea
- skin rash or unusual redness of skin
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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