NITROMERSOL

disinfectant for application to the skin and mucous membranes and for sterilizing surgical instruments, sometimes marketed under the trade name Metaphen. It is an organic compound containing mercury and is related to merbromin (Mercurochrome) and thimerosal (Merthiolate). Nitromersol disinfects by the action of the mercury in the molecule, which precipitates the enzymes of microorganisms and disrupts their metabolism. Nitromersol occurs as a yellowish powder or granules, soluble in alkaline solutions. It is used as a 0.5-percent alcoholic tincture or as a 0.2-percent aqueous solution.