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Activated Charcoal
Trade Name
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Activated Charcoal
Class
Adsorbent
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Activated Charcoal
Mechanism of Action
- Adsorbs toxic substances from the GI Tract
- Onset of action is immediate
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Activated Charcoal
Indications
Most oral poisonings and medication overdoses; can be used after evacuation of poisons
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Activated Charcoal
Contraindications
- Oral administration to comatose patient
- After ingestion of corrosives, caustics or petroleum distillates (ineffective and may induce vomiting)
- Simultaneous administration with other oral drugs
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Activated Charcoal
Adverse Reactions
- May induce nausea and vomiting
- May cause constipation
- May cause black stools
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Activated Charcoal
Drug Interactions
Bonds with and generally inactivates whatever it is mixed with, e.g., syrup of ipecac
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Activated Charcoal
How Supplied
- 25 gm (black powder) / 125 ml bottle (200 mg/ml)
- 50 gm (black powder) / 250 ml bottle (200 mg/ml)
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Activated Charcoal
Dosage and Administration
Adult
1-2 gm/kg PO or via NGT
Note: If not in Pre-mixed slurry, dilute with 1-part charcoal/ 4 parts water.
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Activated Charcoal
Dosage and Administration
Pediatric
1-2 gm/kg PO or via NGT
Note: If not in Pre-mixed slurry, dilute with 1-part charcoal/ 4 parts water.
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Activated Charcoal
Duration of Action
Depends upon GI function; will act until excreted.
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Activated Charcoal
Special Considerations
- Often used in conjunction with magnesium citrate
- Must be stored in a closed container
- Does not adsorb cyanide, lithium, iron, lead or arsenic
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