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ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

CLASS:

  • Adsorbent

  • Antidote

ACTIONS:

  • Binds and adsorbs ingested toxins to its surface thereby reducing their absorption by the body through the GI tract

INDICATIONS:

  • Many oral poisonings, medication overdoses

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

  • Patients <1 year of age

  • Altered mental status with inability to protect own airway

  • Acid/alkali (corrosive/caustic) ingestions; pure petroleum distillates

  • Intestinal obstruction

  • Cyanide poisoning

  • GI bleeding

STANDARD PREP:

  • 25-50 gm Aqueous Diluent

DOSAGE/ROUTE:

  • 1-2 gm/kg may be used as a rough guide. Usual dose is 50-100 gm of slurry administered PO or by gastric tube with max dose of 25 gm. Protocol is to contact medicom physician before giving any activated charcoal.

    Onset: Immediate — Duration: Continual while in GIT

PEDIATRIC DOSE:

  • Protocol is to contact medicom Physician before giving any activated charcoal

SIDE EFFECTS:

  • Vomiting / Aspiration

  • Dehydration / Electrolyte imbalances

  • Abdominal cramping with diarrhea or constipation

  • Black stools

PRECAUTIONS:

  • Protect airway during administration and upon removal of gastric tube

  • Do not mix with milk products

  • Is not effective for cyanide, mineral acids, caustic alkalis, organic solvents, iron, ethanol, methanol, or lithium

  • Caution in patients with decreased peristalsis