🧴 Activated Charcoal Powder (as licensed)
(For oral or nasogastric use in poisoning cases)
📌 Generic Name:
Activated Charcoal
🏷️ Formulation:
- Powder for suspension (mixed with water)
- Administered orally or via nasogastric tube
🔹 Uses / Indications:
Activated charcoal is used primarily for the emergency treatment of poisoning. It works by adsorbing (binding) toxic substances in the stomach and intestines before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
✅ Indicated in:
| Condition | Notes |
|---|---|
| Acute oral poisoning or overdose | Most common use |
| Drug overdoses | Paracetamol, aspirin, phenobarbital, tricyclics (some) |
| Ingestion of toxins | Pesticides, alkaloids, chemicals (some types) |
🔒 Time-sensitive: Best used within 1 hour of ingestion.
💊 Dosage & Administration:
| Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Adults | 25–100 grams |
| Children | 1 g/kg body weight |
- Mix with water (usually 250–500 mL)
- Shake well and administer immediately
- May repeat dose every 4–6 hours in some poisonings (multiple-dose activated charcoal, MDAC)
✅ Advantages:
- Rapid action in preventing systemic absorption
- Safe and effective for many toxins
- Can be administered in most hospital or pre-hospital settings
- Reduces morbidity and improves outcomes when used appropriately
🧪 Nature / Properties:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical form | Fine black odorless, tasteless powder |
| Source | Carbonized coconut shells/wood |
| Action mechanism | Adsorption (not absorption) of toxins |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water (suspension only) |
⚠️ Precautions:
- Ensure airway is protected (especially if unconscious)
- Risk of aspiration pneumonia in uncooperative or vomiting patients
- Can cause constipation or bowel obstruction in large/repeated doses
- Avoid use with sorbitol in children (may cause diarrhea/dehydration)
- Monitor for signs of GI perforation or ileus
📦 Storage Instructions:
- Store powder in a tightly sealed container
- Keep in cool, dry place
- Protect from moisture and light
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice (if conscious and alert):
- Warn about black stools
- Do not take with food or medications within 2 hours
- Encourage fluid intake to prevent constipation
- Seek medical help immediately after ingestion