Activated charcoal

Background

• Does not work with:
  • Iron
  • Lithium
  • Lead
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Toxic alcohols

Indications

1. Ingested drug is adsorbed by charcoal AND one of the following:
   1. Time since ingestion is less than 1-2hr
   2. Drug has significant enterohepatic circulation
   3. Drug delays gastric emptying AND time since ingestion is <4hr
   4. Drug is a controlled release preparation AND time since ingestion is <12-18hr

Dose

1. 1gm/kg PO
2. Mix with water or juice

Administration

1. PO (at least 50 g of charcoal within 20min)
   1. It is NOT necessary for charcoal to be administered by a NGT or OGT
   2. Improved taste if activated charcoal is chilled
   3. In children, may mix with juice, yogurt or ice-cream
2. See also Gastric Lavage

Complications

1. Aspiration
2. Bowel obstruction

See Also

• Gastric Lavage
• Multidose Activated Charcoal (MDAC)