ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Question 1

Generic/Trade Name

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Answer 1

Actidose®, Liqui-Char®

Question 2

Generic/Trade Name

Actidose®, Liqui-Char®

Answer 2

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Question 3

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Drug Classification:

Answer 3

Antidote

Question 4

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Mechanism of Action:

Answer 4

Liquid suspension binds (adsorbs) toxic substances.

Thereby inhibiting:

• GI absorption
• enterohepatic circulation
• bioavailability

Drug-charcoal complex is then excreted by the body

Question 5

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 5

• Onset of Action = Immediate
• Peak Effects = Unknown
• Duration of Effect = Unknown
• Half-Life = Unknown

Question 6

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Indications & Contraindications

Answer 6

Indications/Field Use:
• Acute toxic ingestion

Contraindications:
• Ingestion of caustic or petroleum based agent (mineral acid, caustic alkali, organic solvent, iron, methanol, ethanol)
• Poisoning by cyanide

Question 7

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Side Effects/Adverse Reactions:

Answer 7

Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping,

bloating, constipation,

black-tarry stool for several days

Question 8

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Adult & Pedi Dose:

Answer 8

(ADULT): 1g/kg (30-100g) PO

(PEDI): 1-2g/kg PO

Question 9

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Precautions:

Answer 9

Best if given within 30 minutes of overdose

Administer PO to conscious patient only, if patient is comatose or intubated, administer through NG tube

Question 10

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (Actidose®, Liqui-Char®)

Drug-Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

Food or other medications administered concurrently will decease absorptive capacity of charcoal