Chronic use of laxatives containing calomel (mercurous chloride) can result in mercury toxicity.
Pathogenesis: Mercurous ion is not absorbed. However, trace amounts are oxidized in the bowel lumen to mercuric ion, which is absorbed and becomes bound to sulfhydryl groups.
History: Long-term, frequent use of laxatives containing calomel. Some patients will deny use.
Clinical signs and symptoms of laxative abuse (see Chapter 10):
(1) melanosis coli
(2) dilated bowel common
Clinical signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning:
(1) unexplained renal failure
(2) tremor
(3) chronic colitis
(4) unexplained dementia
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