wow I had no clue this was banned in 1998. I have at least 4 bottles in my cabinet. Where the hell was I when this happened? I'm going to have the check this out.
You can still find Mercurochrome and Merthiolate (also called Thimerosal) at some compounding pharmacies; but interstate sales of mercurochome was banned by the FDA in 1998. Basically; Mercurochrome was never proved to be safe and effective. The risks from the mercury was part of the problem; but also there were other antiseptics available that worked as well if not better. I was painted red, orange, or brown many times over the years (Mercurochrome, Merthiolate, tincture of iodine). It got to the point where I just wouldn't tell my parents that I had a cut or scrape, the treatments hurt worse than the scrape; unless I had a 'gusher' in which case I would end up going to the doctor for yet another round of stitches..... :) The arrival of Bactine did make things a bit more tolerable; but I hated the smell of Bactine.
anonymous
2006-11-21 21:30:47 UTC
The red liquid you can put on wounds...Australia
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