merbromin

Merbromin is an organomercuric disodium salt compound used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes and as a biological dye. It is primarily indicated for the treatment and prevention of skin infections from minor wounds, burns, abrasions, diabetic foot ulcers, neuropathic ulcers, and in the antisepsis of the umbilical cord. The drug acts by releasing mercury ions upon application to wounds; these ions have potent antimicrobial properties that interfere with bacterial enzymes by binding to sulfhydryl groups on proteins—denaturing them and inhibiting essential metabolic functions. Merbromin is effective against a broad spectrum of microbes including bacteria (both gram-positive and gram-negative), fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Due to concerns about mercury toxicity it has been withdrawn from markets in several countries including Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, Brazil and the United States[1][2][4][5][6].

Brand names

MercurochromeMerbromineMercurocolSodium mercuresceinAsceptichromeSupercromeBrocaseptCinfacromin

Other names

Stellachrome