An ethylmercury-sulfidobenzoate that has been used as a preservative in VACCINES; ANTIVENINS; and OINTMENTS. It was formerly used as a topical antiseptic. It degrades to ethylmercury and thiosalicylate.

An organomercurial compound and derivative of thiosalicyclic acid with antibacterial and antifungal properties. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, thimerosal inhibits sulfhydryl-containing active site of various enzymes and binds to sulfhydryl compounds, such as glutathione, cysteine, and SH groups of proteins. 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.

Thimerosal, mercury-containing organic compound with antimicrobial and preservative properties. Thimerosal was developed in the 1920s and became widely used as a preservative in antiseptic ointments, eye drops, and nasal sprays as well as in vaccines, particularly those that were stored in...