positive infection in the nursery when ordinary procedures have failed, but only as long
as necessary to control the infection.
b. Precautions.
(1) The residue of hexachlorophene should not be rinsed from the skin by
the subsequent use of alcohol, soaps, or others cleansers which contain no
hexachlorophene.
(2)
Hexachlorophene products should not be used on burned or denuded
skin.
(3)
They should not be used as a wet pack, occulsive dressing, or lotion.
(4)
They should not be routinely used for prophylactic total body bathing.
(5) They should not be used on any mucous membranes (such as a vaginal
pack or tampon).
(6) Persons who evidence sensitivity to the drug (such as the appearance of
a skin rash) should discontinue its use. Sensitivity occurs infrequently.
(7) Products containing hexachlorophene are for external use. If a large
amount is swallowed, the drug can be harmful.
c. Supply.
(1) Surgical detergent contains 3 percent hexachlorophene and is supplied
in 5-ounce and 1-gallon containers.
(2) Surgical soap, containing 2 percent hexachlorophene, is available in
1.75-ounce and 4-ounce bars. A liquid surgical soap containing 1 percent
hexachlorophene is available in 1-pint and 1-gallon containers.
2-10. THIMEROSAL
Thimerosal (Merthiolate) is a general purpose antiseptic or disinfectant
depending upon the concentration. It also has mild fungistatic properties. The drug can
be used safely as a skin antiseptic on abraded skin in concentrations of 1:1000.
Aqueous solutions of the drug in the appropriate concentrations can be used on mucous
membranes such as the urethra, the nasal mucosa, and the eye. The tincture is for use
on the skin only. Thimerosal tincture should not be used in the presence of open
flames, as tinctures are flammable. An occasional person may be sensitive to the
mercury contained in the drug, but such a sensitivity is rare. Thimerosal is supplied as
an aqueous solution in pint bottles, a tincture in pint bottles, and as a solid in 1/4-ounce
quantities.
MD0913
2-11