Active Elimination from the GI Tract

Question 1

Activated charcoal can be given orally to bind many poisons in the GIT, thereby reducing their absorption. When is it most effective?

Answer 1

When given as soon as possible.

Question 2

What is activated charcoal?

Answer 2

Charcoal which has been treated or otherwise heated to increase its adsorptive power.

Question 3

Repeated doses of activated charcoal can enhance the elimination of which drugs?

Answer 3

Carbamazepine, dapsone, phenobarbital, quinine, theophylline.

Question 4

When should gastric lavage be considered to treat poisoning?

Answer 4

Only when a life-threatening amount of the poison has been ingested within the previous hour.