Activated Charcoal

Question 1

Generic Name:

Answer 1

Activated Charcoal

Question 2

Trade Name:

Answer 2

ActiDose

Question 3

Class:

Answer 3

Absorbent

Question 4

Supplied:

Answer 4

25g/120mL bottle

Question 5

Mechanism of Action: Pharmacological:

Answer 5

Physical binding (absorption) of toxins from GI tract.

Question 6

Mechanism of Action: Clinical:

Answer 6

Prevents/reduces systemic absorption of toxins

Question 7

Indications and Field Use:

Answer 7

• Sole prehospital therapy of oral ingestion of toxic substances
• Pre-lavage of oral ingestions of toxic substances

Question 8

Contraindications:

Answer 8

• Ingestion of caustics
• Ingestion of hydrocarbons (relative)
• Oral administration to comatose patient
• Simultaneous administration of other oral drugs

Question 9

Adverse Reactions:

Answer 9

• May provoke vomiting

- May worsen poison induced illness

Question 10

Incompatibilities/Drug Interactions:

Answer 10

• Ineffective for iron, lithium, heavy metals, and other ions.
• May reduce the effectiveness of other treatments (Mucomyst) in pure acetaminophen OD’s.
• Since charcoal bonds with whatever it is mixed with, flavoring with drinks reduces effectiveness.

Question 11

Adult Dosage:

Answer 11

30-60g (1-2g/kg); if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water.

Question 12

Pediatric Dosage:

Answer 12

0.5 - 1.0 g/kg; if not in pre-mixed slurry, mix one part charcoal with four parts water.

Question 13

Routes of Administration:

Answer 13

Oral (po), Nasogastric tube (ng), Orogastric (og)

Question 14

Onset of Action:

Answer 14

Immediate

Question 15

Peak Effects:

Answer 15

Not applicable

Question 16

Duration of Action:

Answer 16

Dependent upon GI function; acts until excreted

Question 17

Arizona Drug Box Minimum Supply:

Answer 17

Optional: 50g

Question 18

Special Notes:

Answer 18

Charcoal mixture should not contain sorbitol; carefully read label of exchange supply.