Activated Charcoal Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the trade name of activated charcoal?

Charcoaid

What is the classification of activated charcoal?

Adsorbent

What are two actions of activated charcoal?

Absorbs ingested toxins therefore decreasing their absorption. 2. Sorbitol is a laxative for quicker elimination.

What is the indication for activated charcoal?

Oral poisoning or overdose Signup and view all the answers

What is the dose for activated charcoal?

30 - 100g in 250 ml of water (5 to 10 times the estimated weight of drug or chemical ingested PO, NG, OG) Signup and view all the answers

What are four contraindications of activated charcoal?

<ol> <li>Any patient who has ingested a corrosive agent or petroleum distillate. 2. Any patient with altered LOC (oral route). 3. Any patient with altered LOC and not intubated (OG/NG route). 4. If patient has been given ipecac syrup, DO NOT give charcoal until after the last vomiting episode.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are four precautions for activated charcoal?

<ol> <li>Activated charcoal not effective for: cyanide, mineral acids, caustic alkalis, organic solvents, iron, ethanol, methanol, or lithium poisoning. 2. Products that contain sorbitol should be given only under the direct supervision of a doctor. 3. Powder form should only be mixed with water. 4. Minimum dilution of 240 ml per 20-30 grams as slurry.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

It is preferred to administer activated charcoal within how many minutes of ingestion?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What drug will be inactivated if given following activated charcoal?

Acetylcysteine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Activated Charcoal Overview

Trade name for activated charcoal is Charcoaid.
Classified as an adsorbent, it binds substances to its surface.

Actions of Activated Charcoal

Absorbs ingested toxins, decreasing their absorption into the body.
Often combined with sorbitol, a laxative, to facilitate quicker elimination of toxins.

Indications for Use

Primarily indicated for oral poisoning or overdose situations.

Dosage Information

Recommended dose ranges from 30 to 100 grams mixed in 250 ml of water, approximately 5 to 10 times the estimated weight of the ingested drug or chemical.

Contraindications

Not to be administered to patients who have ingested corrosive agents or petroleum distillates due to the risk of vomiting.
Should not be given to patients with altered Level of Consciousness (LOC) by oral route.
Patients with altered LOC who are not intubated should avoid OG/NG routes.
Wait for resolution of vomiting after ipecac syrup administration before giving charcoal.

Precautions

Ineffective against poisoning from cyanide, mineral acids, caustic alkalis, organic solvents, iron, ethanol, methanol, or lithium.
Use products containing sorbitol only under a physician’s oversight due to potential severe diarrhea and vomiting.
Powder form should always be mixed with water; instruct patients to consume slowly.
Minimum dilution requirement is 240 ml for every 20-30 grams to ensure proper slurry consistency.

Timing of Administration

It is preferable to administer activated charcoal within 30 minutes of ingestion for effective results.

Drug Interactions

Acetylcysteine will be inactivated if given after activated charcoal treatment.