Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Brand Name for Activated Charcoal

Answer 1

EZ Char, Actidose, Liqui-Char

Question 2

Drug Class of Activated Charcoal

Answer 2

Adsorbent

Question 3

Indications for Activated Charcoal

Answer 3

Oral poisonings
Medication Overdoses
Within 1 hour of ingestion after poisons evacuated from stomach

Question 4

Mechanism of Action of Activated Charcoal

Answer 4

Binds (adsorbs) toxic substances and prevents from being absorbed by 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

Question 6

Adverse effects of Activated Charcoal

Answer 6

Aspiration can cause fatal pneumonitis, also cause black stools, diarrhea, vomiting and bowel obstruction

Question 7

Precautions for Activated Charcoal

Answer 7

Caution with simultaneous administration with other drugs

Caution in suspected bowel obstruction

Question 8

Dose & Administration of Activated Charcoal

Answer 8

1 to 2 grams/kg per oral or NG tube

Both for adults and pediatrics