Last reviewed · How we verify

Merbromin (mercurochrome)

unknown active Under review

Merbromin (generic name: mercurochrome) is a mercurochrome drug. It is currently in unknown development for Antiseptic preparation.

Merbromin works by releasing mercury ions that disrupt bacterial cell membranes, ultimately killing the bacteria.

Merbromin is a small molecule organomercuric disodium salt compound used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes. It has been studied in clinical trials for conditions including diabetes, and is also used as a biological dye.

At a glance

Generic namemercurochrome
Drug classmercurochrome
Therapeutic areaInfectious Disease
Phaseunknown

Mechanism of action

Think of it like a strong detergent that breaks down the 'walls' of bacteria, making it impossible for them to survive. This allows the body's natural defenses to take over and heal the wound. Merbromin's mercury ions are the active ingredient that does the damage to bacteria.

Approved indications

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

Frequently asked questions about Merbromin

What is Merbromin?

Merbromin (mercurochrome) is a mercurochrome drug, indicated for Antiseptic preparation.

How does Merbromin work?

Merbromin works by releasing mercury ions that disrupt bacterial cell membranes, ultimately killing the bacteria.

What is Merbromin used for?

Merbromin is indicated for Antiseptic preparation.

What is the generic name of Merbromin?

mercurochrome is the generic (nonproprietary) name of Merbromin.

What drug class is Merbromin in?

Merbromin belongs to the mercurochrome class. See all mercurochrome drugs at /class/mercurochrome.

What development phase is Merbromin in?

Merbromin is in unknown.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing