Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Class

Answer 1

Antidote and Chelator - Intestinal Absorbants:
Reduction of absorption of poisons in the GI system,
Active elimination of poisons

Question 2

Presentation

Answer 2

Activated Charcoal granules for suspension

Question 3

Administration

Answer 3

Oral Suspension (PO)

Question 4

Indications

Answer 4

Emergency Treatment of Acute Oral Poisoning or Drug Overdose

Question 5

Contra-Indications

Answer 5

Limited vale for Acids and Alkalis
poor binding of Cyanide, Iron salts, methanol, ethanol and ethylene glycol

Question 6

Dosage

Answer 6

Adult: 50g PO
Reconstitute as directed by manufacturer.
To be taken immediately
Repeat as necessary

Paed: Not Indicated

Question 7

Side Effects

Answer 7

Bezoar - Solid mass of indigestible material
Constipation
Diarrhoea
GI Disorders
Black Stool

Caution - Aspiration may lead to Airway Obstruction

Question 8

Additional Info

Answer 8

May be mixed with soft drinks or fruit juice for ease of administration & to mask the
taste.
Substances which may be absorbed by Activated Charcoal (but are not limited to)
include:
Aspirin & salicylates/ Barbiturates/ Benzodiazepines/ Chlormethiazole/
Chloroquine/ Chlorpromazine & related phenothiazines/ Clonidine/ Cocaine and
other stimulants/ Digoxin and digitoxin/ Ibuprofen/ Mefenamic acid/ Mianserin/
Nicotine/ Paracetamol/ Paraquat/ Phenelzine and other MAOIs/ Phenytoin/
Propranolol and other Beta Blockers/ Quinine/ Theophylline/ Zidovudine.