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Activated Charcoal: Uses and Effects

Activated charcoal is an absorbent powder that binds to toxins and medications in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing absorption. It is used to treat oral poisonings and overdoses by forming a complex with the ingested substance that is then excreted in the feces. While it may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, activated charcoal effectively treats many oral toxic ingestions when administered as a slurry by mouth within an hour of exposure.

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Supreeth Prasad
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750 views1 page

Activated Charcoal: Uses and Effects

Activated charcoal is an absorbent powder that binds to toxins and medications in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing absorption. It is used to treat oral poisonings and overdoses by forming a complex with the ingested substance that is then excreted in the feces. While it may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea, activated charcoal effectively treats many oral toxic ingestions when administered as a slurry by mouth within an hour of exposure.

Uploaded by

Supreeth Prasad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activated Charcoal

Classification: Absorbent, Antidote


Mechanism of Action: Activated charcoal is a fine black powder
And adsorbs ingested toxins. Once the drug binds to the activated charcoal, the combined
complex is excreted in the feces.
Indications: Many oral poisonings and medication overdoses
Adverse Side Effects: May indirectly induce nausea and vomiting. May cause constipation or
mild, transient diarrhea.
Contraindications: Corrosives, caustics, petroleum distillates,
Dosage: 1 g/kg, Prepared in a slurry and administered PO.
Special Considerations: may blacken feces. Must be stroed in closed container. Does not absorb
all drugs and toxic substances. (eg. Phenobarbital, aspirin, cyanide, lithium, iron, lead and
arenic).
Pregnancy Class - C
Onset of Action: Immediate
Duration: Continual while in gastrointestinal tract; reaches equilibrium once saturated
Reference(s):

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