Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Pharm, and Actions

Answer 1

Absorbs toxic substances from GI tract; can absorb up to 99% of another substance and render it inert

Question 2

Indications

Answer 2

Oral poisonings and overdose; used after evacuation of gastric contents

Question 3

Contraindications

Answer 3

Semiconscious or comatose patients; Do not use if specific antidote may be used (eg. acetaminophen overdose)

Question 4

Administration

Answer 4

1-2 g/kg premixed; If need to be mixed, ratio of 1:4 parts; administered orally or via nasogastric tube

Question 5

Side Effects and Special Notes

Answer 5

Black stool; May inactivate other drugs given orally; Do not give until ipecac-induced emesis has stopped; Should contact medical or poison control before administration for petroleum or caustic ingestion; Used often with magnesium citrate

Question 6

Class

Answer 6

C