Generic
Activated Charcoal
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Activated Charcoal is an adsorbent medication used for the treatment of oral poisonings diarrhea and flatulence. It adsorbs toxic substances and gases and helps eliminate them from the body.
Description
Activated charcoal is a medicinal charcoal used for poisoning and diarrhea. Due to its large surface area it adsorbs toxic substances and gases and promotes their elimination from the gastrointestinal tract. It is most effective when used within 1 hour of poison ingestion. It is not effective for cyanide corrosive agents iron lithium alcohols or malathion poisoning.
Indications
Acute oral poisoning (within 1 hour of ingestion) diarrhea (due to food heavy meals and drugs) flatulence (due to diet and other factors).
Therapeutic class
Anti-diarrheal and Antidote preparations
Pharmacological class
Adsorbent Agent
Pharmacology
Activated charcoal has a large surface area (300-2000 sqm per gram) that adsorbs toxic substances and gases and prevents their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It interrupts the enterohepatic and enteroenteric circulation of some drugs/toxins and their metabolites.
Mechanism of action
Activated charcoal binds (adsorbs) toxic substances and gases to its surface and prevents their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract allowing them to be eliminated from the body through feces.
Dosage
Acute Oral Poisoning (Adults):
- Single dose: 25-100 g
- Multiple-dose: Initial 50-100 g then 12.5 g every hour or 25 g every 2 hours or 50 g every 4 hours. Minimum dose 25 g. (Do not use sorbitol after first dose)
Acute Oral Poisoning (Children):
- <1 year: 1 g/kg/dose every 4-6 hours
- 1-12 years: 25-50 g/dose every 4-6 hours
Diarrhea (Adults): 2-4 tablets 3-4 times daily
Diarrhea (Children): Half adult dose
Flatulence (Adults): 1-2 tablets dissolved in water/milk every 2 hours
Administration
For poisoning: Use within 1 hour of ingestion (for maximum adsorption)
For diarrhea and flatulence: Can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets or dissolve in water/milk.
Should be given via nasogastric tube in unconscious patients.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common side effects: Vomiting constipation diarrhea black stools abdominal swelling.
Serious (rare): Bowel obstruction platelet aggregation charcoal embolism thrombocytopenia hemorrhage hypoglycemia hypocalcemia hypothermia hypotension.
Precautions & warnings
- For poisoning: Use as soon as possible after ingestion (within 1 hour)
- Do not use with other medications (reduces absorption)
- For unconscious patients administer via gastric tube by a physician
- Monitor peristalsis (multiple dose therapy)
- Do not induce vomiting for petroleum distillate or caustic ingestions (may harm gastric lining)
Contraindications
- Cyanide mineral acids caustic alkalis organic solvents iron ethanol methanol lithium malathion poisoning
- Intestinal obstruction anatomically-broken GI tract hemorrhage or GI perforation
- Febrile diarrhea
- Pesticide poisoning
Drug interactions
- Do not administer together with other drugs (reduces efficacy)
- Charcoal with sorbitol: Avoid in patients with fructose intolerance and children under 1 year
Food interactions
Can be taken with or without food.
Use in pregnancy
Considered safe during pregnancy but consult your doctor if needed.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Considered safe during breastfeeding but consult your doctor if needed.
Pediatric use
Pediatric doses are weight-based (<1 year: 1 g/kg; 1-12 years: 25-50 g/dose).
Geriatric use
No dose adjustment needed for elderly patients.
Renal / hepatic impairment
No dose adjustment needed for renal or hepatic impairment (no systemic absorption).
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: constipation and intestinal obstruction (mechanical ileus). Treatment: saline laxative.
Storage conditions
Store below 30C. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Activated Charcoal