Charcoal

Question 1

Charcoal: class

Answer 1

Absorbent

Question 2

Charcoal: Action

Answer 2

• Binds and absorbs ingested toxins present in the GI tract

- Inhibits intestinal absorption, preventing systemic toxicity

Question 3

Charcoal: onset/duration

Answer 3

Onset: immediate

Duration: 4-12 hours

Question 4

Charcoal: Indications

Answer 4

Adult, Poisoning/OD
- within 60 minutes of ingesting ANY of the following (if no vomiting): Acetaminophen, colchicine, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, salicylates, valproate, oral anticoagulants (including rodenticides), Paraguay, amanita mushrooms.

PEDS; Poisoning/OD
- if ingested within 60 min and recommended by Poison Control Center

• assure patient has gag reflex and is cooperative

Question 5

Charcoal: Dosage/Route

Answer 5

Adult:
50 g, PO

PEDS:
PDC, PO

Question 6

Charcoal: contraindications

Answer 6

• Isolated alcohol
• Heavy metal
• Caustic agent
• Hydrocarbons (fuels)
• Iron ingestion

Question 7

Charcoal: side effects

Answer 7

• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Abdominal cramping

Question 8

Charcoal: packaging

Answer 8

50g / 240ml

Question 9

Charcoal: what should we anticipate

Answer 9

Vomiting. Consider zofran