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Details

Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Molecular Formula C9H9HgO2S.Na
Molecular Weight 404.81
Optical Activity NONE
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Charge 0

SHOW SMILES / InChI
Structure of THIMEROSAL

SMILES

[Na+].CC[Hg]SC1=C(C=CC=C1)C([O-])=O

InChI

InChIKey=RTKIYNMVFMVABJ-UHFFFAOYSA-L
InChI=1S/C7H6O2S.C2H5.Hg.Na/c8-7(9)5-3-1-2-4-6(5)10;1-2;;/h1-4,10H,(H,8,9);1H2,2H3;;/q;;2*+1/p-2

HIDE SMILES / InChI

Molecular Formula C9H9HgO2S
Molecular Weight 381.82
Charge -1
Count
MOL RATIO 1 MOL RATIO (average)
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity NONE

Molecular Formula Na
Molecular Weight 22.9898
Charge 1
Count
MOL RATIO 1 MOL RATIO (average)
Stereochemistry ACHIRAL
Additional Stereochemistry No
Defined Stereocenters 0 / 0
E/Z Centers 0
Optical Activity NONE

Description

Thimerosal is organomercury antiseptic and antifungal agent, used as a preservative in vaccines, immuloglobulins, nasal sprays, contact lens solutions. In USA, European Union countries thiomersal is no longer used in childhood vaccines due to public fears, although the FDA review of 1999 foud no evidence of harm from the use of thimerosal as a vaccine preservative, other than local hypersensitivity reactions. Thimerosal was used as a component of topical antiseptic solution and antiseptic ointment for treating cuts, nasal sprays, eye solutions, vaginal spermicides, diaper rash treatments, but re-evaluation of the drug in 1980-s demonstrated ineffectiveness and toxicity in topical pharmaceutical products, and topical thimerosal was withdrawn from the market. The mechanism of action of thimerosal has not been fully elucidated. It is believed that thimerosal inhibits sulfhydryl-containing active site of various enzymes and binds to sulfhydryl compounds, such as glutathione, cysteine, and SH groups of protein. In addition, thimerosal activates the InsP3 calcium channel on endoplasmic reticular membrane, thereby triggering the release of calcium from intracellular stores resulting in a calcium-induced calcium-influx of extracellular calcium. Consequently, thimerosal may induce or inhibit cellular functions dependent on calcium signaling.

CNS Activity

Originator

Approval Year

Targets

Primary TargetPharmacologyConditionPotency

Conditions

ConditionModalityTargetsHighest PhaseProduct
Inactive ingredient
AFLURIA
Primary
MERTHIOLATE

PubMed

Patents

Sample Use Guides

In Vivo Use Guide
As a component of vaccines, thimerosal is administered intramuscularly.
Route of Administration: Intramuscular
In Vitro Use Guide
Antimicrobial activity of thimerosal was determined using Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. The inoculum size was 10^6 oranisms/ml in each case. Antimicrobial activity was determined employing doubling diliutions of the test agents. MIC of thimerosal was 1.5 - 0.1 ug/ml.
Substance Class Chemical
Record UNII
2225PI3MOV
Record Status Validated (UNII)
Record Version