Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal is an orally or enterally administered adsorbent agent primarily indicated for the emergency treatment of certain types of acute poisoning and drug overdoses. Its porous structure allows it to bind to various toxins and drugs within the gastrointestinal tract, reducing their systemic absorption.

✅ Approved & Common Indications

🌿 Acute Oral Poisoning and Drug Overdose

Activated Charcoal is indicated for the management of patients with suspected or confirmed ingestion of toxic substances, including:

• Pharmaceutical drug overdoses (e.g., sedatives, antidepressants, acetaminophen, aspirin)
• Non-pharmaceutical toxins (e.g., pesticides, certain industrial chemicals)
• Natural toxins (e.g., some plant-based or mushroom poisons)

It is most effective when administered within 1 hour of toxin ingestion but may be considered later in select cases of delayed gastric emptying or slow-absorbing substances.

🌿 Prevention of Toxin Absorption

Used prophylactically in cases where:

• A toxic ingestion is strongly suspected but not yet confirmed.
• Ingestion involves sustained-release or enteric-coated medications.
• A potentially lethal dose of a toxin is ingested.

🌿 Reduction of Systemic Absorption in Specific Situations

Indicated for decreasing absorption and systemic toxicity in poisonings involving:

• Carbamazepine
• Dapsone
• Phenobarbital
• Quinine
• Theophylline

In these cases, multiple-dose activated charcoal (MDAC) may be administered to enhance the elimination of certain toxins via gastrointestinal trapping (gastrointestinal dialysis).

🌿 Adjunct in Certain Medical Detoxification Protocols (Off-label use)

Occasionally used as an adjunct in detox protocols for symptomatic relief of gas, bloating, and toxin-related digestive discomfort, though these uses are not FDA-approved and should be guided by healthcare professionals.