Activated charcoal

Question 1

Activated Charcoal Class

Answer 1

Adsorbent

Question 2

Activated Charcoal MOA

Answer 2

Pharmacological: Physical binding (adsorption) of toxins from GI tract.
Clinical effects: Prevents/reduces systemic absorption of toxins.

Question 3

Activated Charcoal Indications and Field Use

Answer 3

• Sole prehospital therapy of oral ingestion of toxic substances
• Pre-lavage of oral ingestions of toxic substances

Question 4

Activated Charcoal Contraindications

Answer 4

• Ingestion of caustics
• Ingestion of hydrocarbons (relative)
• Oral administration to comatose patient
• Simultaneous administration of other oral drugs

Question 5

Activated Charcoal Adverse Reactions

Answer 5

May provoke vomiting

May worsen poison induced Ileus

Question 6

Activated Charcoal Incompatibilities/Drug Interactions

Answer 6

• 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.

Question 7

Activated Charcoal Adult Dosage

Answer 7

30-60 Gm (1-2 Gm/kg); if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water.

Question 8

Activated Charcoal Pediatric Dosage

Answer 8

0.5 -1.0 Gm/kg; if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water

Question 9

Activated Charcoal Routes

Answer 9

Oral (po), nasogastric tube (ng), orogastric (og)

Question 10

Activated Charcoal Onset

Answer 10

Immediate

Question 11

Activated Charcoal Peak

Answer 11

Not applicable

Question 12

Activated Charcoal Duration

Answer 12

Dependent upon GI function; acts until excreted

Question 13

Activated Charcoal AZ Drug Box Minimum

Answer 13

Optional 50 grams