Removal and elimination

Question 1

How can the absorption of certain poisons be prevented?

Answer 1

When activated charcoal is given by mouth it can bind to many poisons in the GI system, thereby reducing their absorption. The sooner it is given, the more effective it is, but it may be effective up to 1 hour after ingestion of the poison - longer in the case of MR preparations or of drugs with antimuscarinic properties.

Question 2

How can the active elimination of poisons be encouraged?

Answer 2

Repeated doses of activated charcoal by mouth enhance the elimination of some drugs after they have been absorbed. Repeated doses are given after overdosage with:
Carbamazepine.
Dapsone
Phenobarbital 
Quinine
Theophylline. 

Dapsone, also known as diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), is an antibiotic commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy.

Question 3

What should activated charcoal not be used for?

Answer 3

Poisoning with:
Petroleum distillates
Corrosive substances
Alcohols
Malathion (Malathion is an organophosphate insecticide listed by the American Cancer Society as a probable carcinogen especially linked to prostate cancer.)
Cyanides and metal salts such as lithium salts.