Page 117 - 2023 SMOG Digital

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL Safe Lactation Safe Trade Name: Actidose
Class / Mechanism of Action
Antidote
Non-absorbable agent that absorbs toxins within the GI tract inhibiting GI absorption.
Indications
Labeled Indications: Management of suspected or known poisonings when gastrointestinal
decontamination is an option.
• Decontamination within 1 hour of ingestion of toxic substance
Contraindications
• Presence of intestinal obstruction or GI tract not anatomically intact
• Patients at risk of GI hemorrhage or perforation
• Patients with an unprotected airway (eg, CNS depression without intubation) or if use would increase
the risk and severity of aspiration
Adverse Reactions / Precautions
• If patient unconscious, must establish airway control and must utilized NG/OG tube.
• Be prepared for possible emesis. Consider use of antiemetic.
• Avoid use in patients at risk of GI hemorrhage or perforation
Dose and Administration: ADULT PEDIATRIC Always Reference BROSELOW Tape
Acute Poisoning: Acute Poisoning: Children >12 years: Refer to
PO,NG/OG: adult dosing.
• Single dose: 50g PO,NG/OG:
• Multidose: After initial 50g dose, follow • Single dose: 1g/kg
with 25g q2hr • Multidose: Initial dose: 1g/kg initially,
followed by multiple doses of 0.5g/kg
Note: Activated Charcoal has limited efficacy if not q2hr
utilized within 1 hour of toxin ingestion. Risk-benefit
of charcoal must seriously be considered because it Note: Some products may contain sorbitol. Co-
does not work for all poisons, it must be given early administration of a cathartic, including sorbitol, is
when the poison is still in the stomach, it does not no longer recommended.
fully bind all poisons, and serious complications can
occur with aspiration. Aspiration can occur if Note: Activated Charcoal has limited efficacy if not
deteriorating mental status and/or vomiting. utilized within 1 hour of toxin ingestion.
Note: Some products may contain sorbitol. Co-
administration of a cathartic, including sorbitol, is
no longer recommended.

Note: Multidose charcoal is indicated if patient
ingested a life-threatening amount of drug
(carbamazepine, dapsone, phenobarbital, guanine,
or theophylline)

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