Activated Charcoal Flashcards
1
Q
Generic Name:
A
Activated Charcoal
2
Q
Trade Name:
A
ActiDose
3
Q
Class:
A
Absorbent
4
Q
Supplied:
A
25g/120mL bottle
5
Q
Mechanism of Action: Pharmacological:
A
Physical binding (absorption) of toxins from GI tract.
6
Q
Mechanism of Action: Clinical:
A
Prevents/reduces systemic absorption of toxins
7
Q
Indications and Field Use:
A
- Sole prehospital therapy of oral ingestion of toxic substances
- Pre-lavage of oral ingestions of toxic substances
8
Q
Contraindications:
A
- Ingestion of caustics
- Ingestion of hydrocarbons (relative)
- Oral administration to comatose patient
- Simultaneous administration of other oral drugs
9
Q
Adverse Reactions:
A
- May provoke vomiting
- May worsen poison induced illness
10
Q
Incompatibilities/Drug Interactions:
A
- Ineffective for iron, lithium, heavy metals, and other ions.
- May reduce the effectiveness of other treatments (Mucomyst) in pure acetaminophen OD’s.
- Since charcoal bonds with whatever it is mixed with, flavoring with drinks reduces effectiveness.
11
Q
Adult Dosage:
A
30-60g (1-2g/kg); if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water.
12
Q
Pediatric Dosage:
A
0.5 - 1.0 g/kg; if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water.
13
Q
Routes of Administration:
A
Oral (po), Nasogastric tube (ng), Orogastric (og)
14
Q
Onset of Action:
A
Immediate
15
Q
Peak Effects:
A
Not applicable
