Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Brand names of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 1

EZ Char, Actidose, Liqui-Char

Question 2

Drug class of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 2

Adsorbent (note that it is ADsorbent and not “ABsorbent”)

Question 3

Indications of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 3

Oral poisonings and medication overdoses. Usually within 1 hour of ingestion, best used after poisons have been evacuated from the stomach

Question 4

Mechanism of action of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 4

Binds (adsorbs) toxic substances and prevents

them from being absorbed by the GI tract

Question 5

Contraindications for Activated Charcoal?

Answer 5

Altered level of consciousness (aspiration risk)
Ingestion of corrosives, caustics, or
Petroleum products. Abdominal pain (caution).

Question 6

Adverse effects of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 6

Aspiration can cause fatal pneumonitis,

can also cause black stools, diarrhea, vomiting and bowel obstruction

Question 7

Precautions with Activated Charcoal?

Answer 7

Caution with simultaneous administration
With other drugs. Caution in suspected
Bowel obstruction

Question 8

Adult and pediatric dose and administration of Activated Charcoal?

Answer 8

1 to 2 grams/kg p.o. (or NG tube)

Both for adult and pediatrics