Imagine, a small child at home accidentally takes some medicine... or someone accidentally ingests something poisonous... We get worried in such an emergency, don't we? Today we are talking about a special medicine that is given in hospitals in such cases and that helps save lives. That is Activated Charcoal . You may have heard this name.
What is Activated Charcoal, simply put?
Simply put, activated charcoal is a fine black powder that has been specially prepared. This is not the charcoal we put in our wood stoves at home, is it? This is something that is made in a very pure, special way for medical purposes.
Its main function is to act like a sponge after entering the stomach. That is, it absorbs some toxins, drugs, and chemicals in the stomach and intestines onto its surface, preventing them from being absorbed into the body. After being absorbed in this way, those toxins are excreted in the feces without harming the body. This is the basic process of this medicine.
How is this medicine used and who gives it?
This is not a medicine you can usually buy at a pharmacy and keep at home. It is given in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a doctor or health professional .
- In an emergency: In the event of a poisoning or overdose, this is given after the patient is admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
- Time is of the essence: This medicine is most effective if given within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion, as the poison is still in the stomach during that time.
- How to administer: This comes as a suspension. Shake the bottle well before use.
- If you vomit: If you vomit immediately after taking the medicine, you should definitely ask your doctor what to do next.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, a doctor will determine the dosage based on the child's weight and condition.
Extremely important: Never try to treat a poisoning or overdose yourself at home. This is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. If necessary, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Things to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving activated charcoal to yourself or a patient, it is very important to inform your doctor of the following information.
- If you have an allergic reaction to activated charcoal or any other medicine, food, or dye, please let us know.
- Tell us if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If the child is a breastfeeding mother, please also inform her.
- If you know specific information about a case of food or drug poisoning, please share that as well.
Very important! Pay special attention to these things.
Activated charcoal is not a magic bullet for all poisons, so be aware of these facts.
This doesn't work for all types of poison!
This medicine cannot absorb some toxins. Activated charcoal is generally not useful for the following:
| Type of poison | Examples |
|---|---|
| Petroleum products | Kerosene, gasoline, some cleaning products |
| Cyanide | Some factory chemicals |
| Alcohol | Alcohol, some medications |
| Mineral acids and bases (Alkali) | Strong cleaners like battery acid and bleach |
| Iron | Iron tablets overdose |
Problems with other medications and dairy products
Activated charcoal isn't just a selective poison absorber. It can absorb anything in the stomach. Therefore, it will also absorb other medications .
- That means if you are taking medication for another illness, activated charcoal can also reduce the effectiveness of that medication.
- Therefore, do not take any other medication 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking activated charcoal.
- Similarly, dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication. Therefore, avoid consuming these foods within this 4-hour period.
After emergency treatment, it is important to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. It is also important to eat a balanced diet to avoid nutritional problems.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Activated charcoal can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| The nature of the problem | Medicines/substances |
|---|---|
| Things that should never be taken together | |
| Antiemetics | Ipecac |
| Other drugs that may interact (this list is not exhaustive) | |
| Many drugs | Birth control pills, medications for epilepsy such as Digoxin, Theophylline, Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, medications for some mental illnesses, and many more. |
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medication, activated charcoal can cause side effects.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| What to tell your doctor or healthcare professional immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, rapid breathing. |
| Symptoms of Dehydration | Extreme thirst, dry mouth, dry eyes (loss of tears), decreased urination or dark urine, dry skin. |
| Other serious symptoms | Confusion, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (but should be reported to the doctor if they persist) | |
| Changes in the digestive system | Black stools (this is normal) , diarrhea or vomiting, stomach pain or bloating. |
Take-Home Message
- Activated charcoal is an emergency treatment given in hospitals for some poisonings and drug overdoses.
- This should never be used at home without medical advice. Any poisoning is an emergency that requires immediate hospitalization.
- This medicine does not work on all types of poisons (e.g. kerosene, acid, alcohol).
- When taking this, avoid taking other medications or dairy products 2 hours before and after.
- It is essential to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
- Black stools are common when taking this medication. However, if you experience any other serious side effects, tell your doctor immediately.
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