POISONS: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Question 1

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: INDICATIONS

Answer 1

• Single dose = reduce absorption of certain poisons in the gut
• Multiple doses = Increase the elimination of certain poisons

Question 2

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: MOA

Answer 2

• vDW forces responsible for mechanism of activated charcoal
• Molecules adsorbed onto the surface of charcoal as they travel through the gut, reducing their ABSORPTION
• Only useful in cases where ingested poison likely to be adsorbed onto it
• Affinity of substance for activated charcoal is determined by ionic status and solubility in water
• Weakly Ionic, hydrophobic substances - Generally well adsorbed to activated charcoal
• Strongly ionic, hydrophilic substances - are not adsorbed
• Increase elimination of certain poisons

Question 3

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: ADVERSE EFFECTS

Answer 3

• Aspiration = pneumonitis, bronchospasm and AWO
• Can also precipitate Intestinal Obstruction
• MOST COMMON EFFECTS = BLACK STOOLS + VOMITING

Question 4

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: WARNINGS

Answer 4

• Reduced level of consciousness patients (unless trached)
• Persistent vomiting = risk of aspiration
• Reduced GI motility = risk of intestinal obstruction

Question 5

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: INTERACTIONS

Answer 5

• Prevents absorption of many drugs taken therapeutically as well as those taken in OD