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Activated Charcoal
Caution in Comatose/Drowsy patients at risk of aspiration so ensure airway protected so involve anaesthetists
About: Always check the BNF link here
- Lack of clear evidence of benefit in many episodes of toxicity
Mode of action
- Surface area in excess of 1500 m²/g.
- Multiple-dose activated charcoal is thought to produce its beneficial effect by interrupting the enteroenteric
- Can also interrupt enterohepatic and the enterogastric circulation of drug
Dosing
- Single dose of 50g with water (salicylates/paracetamol)
- Repeated doses (50g/4h) to increase elimination of some drugs from the blood
Indications for repeated dosing is Toxicity due to
- Carbamazepine, Dapsone, phenobarbital
- Quinine, Theophylline, Phenytoin, Digoxin
- Paracetamol, Aspirin - useful with salicylates
- Teriflunomide and Leflunomide
Do Not use with
- Petroleum products, corrosives,
- Alcohols, clofenotane, malathion
- Metal salts (eg iron, lithium)
Dose range: You must check with BNF or drug datasheet
| Name | Starting Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activated Charcoal | 50 g | Stat | PO/NG |
| Activated Charcoal (Eliminate poison) | 50 g then 50 g ever 4 hrs (or 25 mg every 2 hours or 12.5 g every hour) | Stat | PO/NG |
| Activated Charcoal (Eliminate Teriflunomide) | 50 g | 12-hourly | PO for 11 days |
| Activated Charcoal (Eliminate Leflunomide) | 50 g | 6-hourly | PO for 11 days |
Side effects
- Constipation
References
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