| Activated Charcoal Pharmacology |
| Activated Charcoal |
| About Activated Charcoal |
| Adsorbent, antidote ,antiflatulent,anti diarrheal. |
| Mechanism of Action of Activated Charcoal |
| Poisoning- Adsorption (17 times its own volume in fluids) of the unwanted substance on to the surface of it. Hypercholesterolemic effect- It is thought that the cholesterol-lowering effect of activated charcoal is caused by its interference with the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids. |
| Pharmacokinets of Activated Charcoal |
| Excretion- Excreted through feces |
| Onset of Action for Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Duration of Action for Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Half Life of Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Activated Charcoal |
| 1. Black stools. 2. Nausea. 3. Vomiting. 4. Blackening of the teeth and mouth. 5. Abdominal discomfort. 6. Diarrhea. 7. Constipation. |
| Contra-indications of Activated Charcoal |
| 1. Hypersensitivity to the charcoal 2. Diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever 3. Liver disease 4. Kidney disease 5. Malnutrition 6. Medications |
| Special Precautions while taking Activated Charcoal |
| 1.Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. 2.Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole. 3.Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at the first sign of discomfort. 4.Do not take more than 4.16 grams of charcoal in a day (16 capsules of 260 mg each). |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Contraindicated |
| Children Related Information |
| Use with caution Younger than 3 years of age – Contraindicated |
| Indications for Activated Charcoal |
| 1. Poisonings (except carbonate, Caustic substances, Cyanide and DDT). 2. Overdoses following oral ingestion of the drug. 3. Flatulence 4.Bowel preparations for diagnostic procedures |
| Interactions for Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Typical Dosage for Activated Charcoal |
| Dyspepsia: 600mg – 5g as single dose Poisoning: Adult: 30 – 100g in 250ml water Children: Above 1 year: 25 to 50 grams mixed with water Children up to 1 year: 10 to 25 grams mixed with water |
| Schedule of Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Storage Requirements for Activated Charcoal |
| Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, direct light, and your children. |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |
| Effects of Overdose of Activated Charcoal |
| N/A |