Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Brand name(s) of Activated Charcoal

Answer 1

Charcodote, EZ-Char, Actidose, LiquiChar

Question 2

Classification of Activated Charcoal

Answer 2

Poison antidote (GI)

Question 3

Mechanism of action for Activated Charcoal

Answer 3

Chemical absorbent

Question 4

Indications for Activated Charcoal

Answer 4

Toxic ingestion; ASA (acetaminophen) overdose

Question 5

Contraindications for Activated Charcoal

Answer 5

Hypersensitivity to meds, ingestion of acids or alkalis, ethanol, methanol, cyanide, iron salts, lithium, coma, GI obstruction

Question 6

Absorption of Activated Charcoal

Answer 6

In the intestines

Question 7

Distribution of Activated Charcoal

Answer 7

Gastric tract in the intestines

Question 8

Metabolism of Activated Charcoal

Answer 8

slow metabolism causes constipation

Question 9

Elimination of Activated Charcoal

Answer 9

Eliminated thru rectum as stool

Question 10

Onset of Activated Charcoal

Answer 10

immediate

Question 11

Duration of Activated Charcoal

Answer 11

Continual while in GI tract

Question 12

Side effects of Activated Charcoal

Answer 12

GI/GU: naausea, vomiting, constipation

REp: aspiration can cause fatal form of pneumonitis

Question 13

Adult/Geriatric dosage of Activated Charcoal

Answer 13

50-100 g/dose

Question 14

Pediatric dosage of Activated Charcoal

Answer 14

1-2 g/kg PO

Question 15

Routes of Admin of Activated Charcoal

Answer 15

PO, NG (nasogastric tube)

Question 16

Precautions/ Special considerations for Activated Charcoal

Answer 16

Syrup of Ipecac is absorbed by activated charcoal. For ASA OD, multiple doses of Activated Charcoal will be needed, since ASA clumps in stomach

Question 17

Storage requirements for Activated Charcoal

Answer 17

Store at room temp 68-77°F