Thiomersal Antiseptic Antifungal Organic Mercury Compound

Thiomersal is an organic mercury compound which has the chemical formula C9H9HgNaO2S. It was earlier known as thimerosal which contains 49% of mercury by weight. This compound is used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent. In 1929, a pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company developed this compound and marketed it under the name of Merthiolate. Since then, it has played an important role in our lives.

Thiomersal was originally used for as a preservative in vaccines and with changes it could be used in immune globulin preparation, skin test antigens, and antivenins, ophthalmic and nasal products. With minor modifications, the compound was used in tattoo inks. Its main purpose is to prevent serious adverse effects from multi dose of injectable drug. It averts Staphylococcus infection which was known to be present in diphtheria vaccine. It use is limited now due to advanced single dose injections.

Thiomersal was used as a preservative in children's vaccine but due to progressing medical technologies the use of this compound has been abolished from the USA, The EU and a few other countries. The compound is used exceptionally if the child surpasses an influenza vaccine. Many other children vaccine like Tetanus and tetanus toxoid contains this compound. It is also used as anti venom in cases of pit viper, coral snake and black widow bites.

Due to the violent history of Thiomersal, the drug was feared by most countries and eventually discarded its use. Despite of that the World Health Organization has issued statements pertaining to the fact that this compound is now harmless. It also serves as an alternative to expensive single dose administration. Earlier, it was known to be hazardous and was very toxic if inhaled, ingested or came in contact with the skin. It is also perilous to the aquatic environment.

Thiomersal metabolizes into Ethylmercury when injected into the human or animal body. It attacks the central nervous system and sometimes the kidney. In 1999 risk assessments were conducted and it was concluded that ethylmercury was removed from the human body. This compound is also known to cause various allergies when used for curing dermatitis, conjunctivitis and others. It is noted that only a small percentage of people are sensitive to the drug and it was clinically extraneous.

Thiomersal is also speculated to be the cause of Autism. More than 5000 families in USA and a few doctors have claimed the same. Due to the lack of evidence the conjecture was turned over. This drug was developed by Dr. Morris S. Kharasch who was associated with Eli Lilly and Company. It was a patent for the alkyl mercuric sulfur compound which was considered to have anesthetic properties. It was first used as a vaccine in 1931. Thimerosal