Activated Charcoal (Liqui-Char, Actidose)

Question 1

Charcoal Classification

Answer 1

Antidote

Question 2

Charcoal Mechanism

Answer 2

Liquid suspension binds (absorbs) toxic substances, thereby inhibiting GI absorption, enterohepatic circulation, and bioavailability.
Drug-charcoal complex is then excreted by the body.

Question 3

Charcoal Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

Onset: Immediate
Peak Effects: Unknown
Duration: Unknown
Half Life: Unknown

Question 4

Charcoal Indicaitons/Field Use

Answer 4

Acute toxic ingestion

Question 5

Charcoal Contraindications

Answer 5

Ingestion of caustic or petroleum based agent (mineral acid, caustic, alkali, organic solvent, iron, methanol, ethanol)

Question 6

Charcoal Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Answer 6

Vomitting, diarrhea, ABD cramping, bloating, constipation, black, tarry stool for several days

Question 7

Charcoal Dose

Answer 7

Adult:
1g/kg (30-100g) PO
Pedi:
1-2g/kg PO

Question 8

Charcoal Precautions

Answer 8

• Best if given within 30 minutes of overdose

- Administer PO to conscious patient only, if patient is comatose or intubated, administer through NG tube.

Question 9

Charcoal Drug Interactions

Answer 9

Food or other medications administered concurrently will decrease absorptive capacity of charcoal.