Placebo-controlled, double-blind evaluation of the efficacy and safety of yellow mercuric oxide in suppression of eyelid infections.

Abstract

We tested an over-the-counter ophthalmic ointment, yellow mercuric oxide 1%, for safety and efficacy in decreasing eyelid-margin bacterial-colony counts. Of 150 patients screened for high bacterial levels, 78 were randomized in double-blind fashion to either yellow mercuric oxide bid (41 patients or 53%) or a placebo (37 patients or 47%). Bacterial-colony counts were determined at outset and at days 4 and 7 of treatment. At the conclusion of treatment on day 7, 87% of patients in the mercuric oxide group were successful in decreasing bacterial counts, compared with 59% of patients treated with placebo (P = .01). Side effects were no higher in the active group than in the placebo group. We have shown mercuric oxide 1% to be safe and effective in reducing eyelid bacterial-colony counts in patients with hordeolum and blepharitis.

• Authors: P R Kastl, Z Ali, F Mather
• Journal: Annals of ophthalmology (Ann Ophthalmol) Vol. 19 Issue 10 Pg. 376-9 (Oct 1987) ISSN: 0003-4886 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3318623 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Mercury Compounds
• Oxides
• Placebos
• Mercury
• mercuric oxide

Topics

• Adult
• Bacteria (isolation & purification)
• Bacterial Infections (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Blepharitis (drug therapy, microbiology)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Double-Blind Method
• Eyelid Diseases (drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Mercury (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Mercury Compounds
• Oxides (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Placebos