Sublimate (Mercuric Dichloride)

Sublimate (Mercury Dichloride): a dangerous toxic substance

Sublimate, or mercuric dichloride, is one of the most poisonous chemical compounds that can lead to serious consequences for human health. It is a colorless crystalline powder or liquid that has local cauterizing, nephrotoxic and enterotoxic effects. In this article we will take a closer look at the symptoms of sublimate poisoning, as well as possible treatment methods.

Symptoms of sublimate poisoning

When sublimate is taken orally in concentrated solutions, a person may experience sharp pain in the abdomen, esophagus, and vomiting. After a few hours, bloody diarrhea may begin. One of the characteristic signs of sublimate poisoning is a copper-red coloring of the mucous membrane of the mouth and pharynx. It is also possible to have swollen lymph nodes, a metallic taste in the mouth, drooling, bleeding gums and, later, the appearance of a dark border of mercury sulphide on the gums.

From the 2-3rd day after poisoning with sublimate, symptoms of acute renal failure may appear, which can lead to death. Increased excitability, arterial hypertension and hypochromic anemia can also be manifestations of sublimate poisoning.

Treatment of sublimate poisoning

Treatment of mercuric chloride poisoning should begin with repeated gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal. Next, it is necessary to carry out forced diuresis, as well as early hemodialysis with the introduction of 100-150 ml of 5% unithiol solution intravenously. Unithiol (10 ml of a 5% solution) should be re-introduced intramuscularly, as well as thetacine-calcium (10 ml of a 10% solution in 300 ml of a 5% glucose solution) and sodium thiosulfate (100 ml of a 30% solution) should be injected intramuscularly. in drip.

In addition, it may be necessary to administer cyanocobalamin (up to 1000 mcg/day), thiamine and pyridoxine, as well as atropine (1 ml of 0.1% solution) subcutaneously. If acute renal failure occurs, this condition must be treated immediately. For burns of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, appropriate treatment must also be carried out.

In conclusion, it should be emphasized that sublimate is a very dangerous toxic substance. At the slightest suspicion of sublimate poisoning, you should immediately seek medical help. It is important to remember that prevention is better than cure, so you must take precautions and avoid contact with this dangerous substance.