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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Activated Charcoal
Brand Name
Actidose
Generic Name
Activated Charcoal
Active Ingredient
Activated CharcoalCategory
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 208 mg/mL | SUSPENSION | ORAL | 0574-0520 |
Detailed information about Actidose
References used for this content
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Actidose, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Activated Charcoal is a potent adsorbent and therapeutic agent primarily used for emergency detoxification and gastrointestinal decontamination. It belongs to several pharmacological classes, including Nitrogen Binding Agents and Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts.
For emergency treatment of poisoning, the standard adult dose typically ranges from 25 to 100 grams administered as a single dose. If multiple-dose activated charcoal (MDAC) is required for specific toxins (like theophylline or carbamazepine), your healthcare provider may administer 12.5 to 25 grams every 2 to 4 hours.
Since Activated Charcoal is not systemically absorbed or renally excreted, no dosage adjustment is typically required for patients with kidney disease. However, fluid balance must be monitored.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with liver impairment as the drug does not undergo hepatic metabolism.
Older adults may be more prone to constipation; healthcare providers may consider lower initial doses or the co-administration of a cathartic (laxative).
Activated Charcoal is most effective when taken within 60 minutes of a toxic ingestion. For oral suspensions, the bottle must be shaken vigorously before use. It can be taken with or without food, but food may reduce its adsorptive capacity for the intended toxin. It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
In an emergency setting, a missed dose is handled by medical staff. For over-the-counter use, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
An overdose of Activated Charcoal is rare but can lead to severe constipation or bowel obstruction. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, or vomiting. In case of suspected overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
> Warning: Stop taking Activated Charcoal and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Activated Charcoal is generally not intended for long-term use. Prolonged use can lead to malnutrition because the charcoal may adsorb essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes from the diet, preventing their absorption into the body.
No FDA black box warnings currently exist for Activated Charcoal. However, it is strictly contraindicated in patients with an unprotected airway or those who have ingested corrosive substances.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Activated Charcoal is a specialized treatment that should primarily be used under the direction of a healthcare professional or poison control center. It is not effective for all types of poisonings, particularly those involving alcohols, cyanide, or heavy metals like iron and lithium.
No FDA black box warnings for Activated Charcoal.
Patients receiving Activated Charcoal should be monitored for:
Activated Charcoal generally does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if the underlying poisoning causes dizziness or lethargy, these activities should be avoided.
Alcohol (ethanol) can decrease the adsorptive capacity of Activated Charcoal. Furthermore, Activated Charcoal is not an effective treatment for alcohol poisoning.
For emergency use, Activated Charcoal is typically a single-dose treatment. No tapering is required. If used for other conditions, consult your doctor before stopping.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Activated Charcoal.
Activated Charcoal does not typically interfere with blood laboratory tests, but its presence in the stool will interfere with stool guaiac tests (tests for hidden blood in the stool).
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
There are no known cross-sensitivities between Activated Charcoal and other pharmacological agents, as it is an elemental form of carbon.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Activated Charcoal.
FDA Pregnancy Category: Not Formally Assigned. Since Activated Charcoal is not absorbed systemically, it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when clinically indicated for poisoning. It does not reach the fetus. However, it should only be used under strict medical supervision to avoid maternal dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Activated Charcoal is not absorbed into the mother's bloodstream and therefore cannot pass into breast milk. It is considered compatible with breastfeeding. No effects on the nursing infant are expected.
Activated Charcoal is safe and effective for children when used for acute poisoning. However, the risk of aspiration and electrolyte imbalance (if used with sorbitol) is higher in children. It is not recommended for infants under 1 year of age without direct medical oversight.
Elderly patients are at a higher risk for constipation and fecal impaction. Healthcare providers should monitor bowel movements closely. There is no evidence that age-related changes in kidney or liver function affect charcoal's efficacy, as it remains in the gut.
No dosage adjustment is required. Activated Charcoal does not enter the blood and is not filtered by the kidneys.
No dosage adjustment is required. The liver is not involved in the clearance of Activated Charcoal.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
Activated Charcoal acts as a non-specific adsorbent. Its primary molecular mechanism involves the binding of various organic and inorganic compounds to its surface via Van der Waals forces. The "activation" process (heating carbon in the presence of an oxidizing gas) creates a network of pores ranging from 10 to 1000 Ångströms. This increases the surface area to approximately 1000 square meters per gram. Additionally, the provided data indicates it may act as an Ammonium Ion Binding Agent and interact with Adrenergic alpha and beta receptors in specific clinical extracts.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | 0% (Not absorbed) |
| Protein Binding | 0% |
| Half-life | N/A (Not systemic) |
| Tmax | N/A |
| Metabolism | None |
| Excretion | Fecal (100%) |
Activated Charcoal is classified as an Antidote/Adsorbent. It is also categorized as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC] when used in diagnostic allergy testing.
Common questions about Actidose
Activated Charcoal is primarily used as an emergency treatment to prevent the absorption of poisons or drugs into the body following an overdose. By binding to toxins in the stomach, it allows them to pass safely through the digestive system without entering the bloodstream. It is also used in some cases to treat gas and bloating, though its effectiveness for these conditions is less established. Additionally, it is used in specialized medical settings as a nitrogen-binding agent and in allergy testing. Always consult a healthcare provider or poison control center before using it for detoxification.
The most frequent side effect of Activated Charcoal is the darkening of stools to a black color, which is expected and harmless. Many patients also experience constipation, which can sometimes be severe if the charcoal is not accompanied by adequate fluids. Nausea and vomiting are also common, particularly due to the gritty texture of the oral suspension. In some cases, if the formulation contains sorbitol, diarrhea may occur. Most of these effects resolve once the charcoal has completely passed through the digestive tract.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol when taking Activated Charcoal. Alcohol can interfere with the charcoal's ability to adsorb other toxins, making it less effective in an emergency poisoning situation. Furthermore, Activated Charcoal is not an effective treatment for alcohol poisoning because alcohol is absorbed too quickly for the charcoal to bind it. If you have consumed alcohol and are considering charcoal for other reasons, discuss the timing with your doctor. Combining the two may also increase the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
Activated Charcoal is considered generally safe during pregnancy because it is not absorbed into the systemic circulation and cannot reach the developing fetus. It remains entirely within the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted in the feces. However, pregnant women should only use it under medical supervision, especially in emergency overdose situations. There is a risk that charcoal could adsorb essential prenatal vitamins if taken concurrently. Your healthcare provider will weigh the benefits of treatment against any potential risks to maternal hydration and nutrition.
Activated Charcoal begins working immediately upon contact with substances in the stomach and intestines. For maximum effectiveness in a poisoning scenario, it should ideally be administered within one hour of the toxin's ingestion. Once the charcoal binds to a substance, that substance is trapped and cannot be absorbed by the body. The charcoal then travels through the digestive system and is eliminated in the stool. The total time it stays in your system depends on your individual metabolic rate and bowel motility.
Since Activated Charcoal is typically administered as a single dose for emergency detoxification, 'stopping' the medication is usually not an issue. If you are taking it for a specific condition under a doctor's long-term guidance, you should not discontinue use without consulting them first. There are no known withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping Activated Charcoal. However, stopping it may result in the return of the symptoms it was being used to treat, such as gas or specific metabolic issues. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your medical team.
If you are using Activated Charcoal for a non-emergency reason and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing plan. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of severe constipation. In emergency settings, the dosing is managed by healthcare professionals who will ensure the correct timing. If you have questions about a missed dose, contact your pharmacist or doctor.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Activated Charcoal causes weight gain. Because it is not absorbed into the body and contains no calories, it does not contribute to fat storage or metabolic weight changes. In fact, some people mistakenly use it for weight loss, though it is not effective or approved for that purpose. If you experience sudden weight changes while taking this medication, it is likely due to other factors or underlying health conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your weight while using any supplement.
Activated Charcoal should be taken with extreme caution if you are on other medications, as it is a non-specific adsorbent that can bind to almost any drug in the stomach. This can significantly reduce the amount of medicine your body absorbs, making your other treatments less effective. Generally, other medications should be taken at least two hours before or six hours after Activated Charcoal. This is especially critical for life-saving medications like heart drugs or birth control. Always provide your doctor with a full list of your current medications before starting charcoal.
Yes, Activated Charcoal is widely available as a generic medication and over-the-counter supplement. It is sold under many different brand names, but the active ingredient remains the same. Generic versions are typically more cost-effective and are held to the same quality standards as brand-name products for emergency use. When purchasing over-the-counter, ensure the product is labeled as 'Activated' to guarantee it has the necessary porous structure for adsorption. Your pharmacist can help you select a high-quality generic version that meets your needs.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Activated Charcoal)