Overdose

Question 1

activated charcoal indications

Answer 1

• single dose to reduce absoprtion of certain poisons incl in OD from gut
• multiple doses to increase elimination of certain poisons

Question 2

MOA activated charcoal

Answer 2

molecules adsorbed onto surface of charcoal, reducing their absorption into the circulation

only weakly ionic, hydrophobic substances e.g. benzos and methotrexate are well adsorbed
- strongly ionic and hydrophilic e.g. iron, lithium are not adsorbed.

• can increase the elinination of certain poisons - useful for substances adsorbed by charcoal that can readily diffuse back into the gut. needs multiple dose

Question 3

SE activated charcoal

Answer 3

• aspiration = pneumonitis, bronchospasm, airway obstruction
• precipitate intestinal obstruction
• black stools
• vomiting

Question 4

avoid use of activated charcoal in which patients

Answer 4

• reduced LOC. unless airwya protected bu intubation.
• caution in peristent vomiting
• caution in gut motility reduced patients

Question 5

when do you give AC in OD

Answer 5

• Single dose if patient present in 1hr of infection of high amount
• 50g orally once only section or NG tube if intubated.
• if mutliple; prescribe 50g 4hrly with antieemetics and laxatives

Question 6

how do you take AC orally

Answer 6

mixed with 250ml of h20 which patient drinks. same is put into NG