Tag: Merthiolate

For decades, Mercurochrome and Merthiolate were household staples used to treat minor cuts and scrapes, recognizable by their distinct red coloration. But despite their similar names and uses, they were fundamentally different compounds, a distinction crucial for anyone wondering **what's the difference between merthiolate and mercurochrome?**

Merthiolate, originally a mercury-based compound, was banned by the FDA in the late 1990s due to toxicity concerns. Today, products sold under the brand name **merthiolate** are mercury-free and typically contain benzalkonium chloride, which requires specific application guidelines to be both safe and effective.