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Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is a medication used to treat poisonings that occurred by mouth. [1] To be effective it must be used within a short time of the poisoning occurring, typically an hour. [1] [2] It does not work for poisonings by cyanide, corrosive agents, iron, lithium, alcohols, or malathion. [2]
Activated charcoal does not neutralize caustics and can also obscure endoscopic visualization. [1] There is no known clinical benefit of neutralization of the caustic substances; neutralization releases heat as well as causing gaseous distention and vomiting, all of which can worsen injuries.
Activated charcoal is a substance that can bind to certain toxins in the digestive tract and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream. [57] The effectiveness of this treatment, as well as how long it is effective after ingestion, are subject to debate.
The available research is mixed on whether activated charcoal can effectively bind toxic alcohols. But the key point is that even if it could, alcohol migrates out of the stomach into the ...
[63] [62] Administering activated charcoal later than 2 hours can be considered in patients that may have delayed gastric emptying due to co-ingested drugs or following ingestion of sustained- or delayed-release paracetamol preparations. Activated charcoal should also be administered if co-ingested drugs warrant decontamination. [42]
The initial dose of activated charcoal is most useful if given within 2 hours of initial ingestion. [9] Contraindications to the use of activated charcoal include altered mental status (due to the risk of aspiration), GI bleeding (often due to salicylates) or poor gastric motility. [9] Whole bowel irrigation using the laxative polyethylene ...
Activated charcoal is recommended if it can be given within an hour or two of taking the calcium channel blockers. [1] In those who have taken an extended release formulation of a CCB but are otherwise doing fine, whole bowel irrigation with polyethylene glycol may be useful. [1] Causing vomiting by the use of medications such as ipecac is not ...
Arsenic poisoning (or arsenicosis) is a medical condition that occurs due to elevated levels of arsenic in the body. [4] If arsenic poisoning occurs over a brief period of time, symptoms may include vomiting, abdominal pain, encephalopathy, and watery diarrhea that contains blood. [1]