Activated Charcoal (activated charcoal)
Oral Capsule
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Generic name: activated charcoal
Therapeutic class: Gastrointestinal Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Activated Charcoal
Indications
The following indications are listed for Activated Charcoal:
- Unknown Oral Substance Toxicity
Also known as: Nonspecific Toxicity From Oral Overdose.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Charcoal/Xanthine Derivatives
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: Theophylline is absorbed by activated charcoal.(1) The absorption results in decreased theophylline absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, decreased enterohepatic recirculation, and increased theophylline clearance.(1-14)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: Theophylline absorption is decreased and clearance is increased as charcoal absorbs the theophylline.
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: In a theophylline overdose the charcoal should be administered as soon as possible. Theophylline clearance may increase with continued administration. If the charcoal is not being given for theophylline overdose, a higher dose of theophylline should be given, or administration times should be separated.
DISCUSSION: Activated charcoal is more effective than gastric lavage, emesis, or sorbitol catharsis and is considered first line therapy for sustained-release theophylline overdose.(15,16) Theophylline half-life has been reported to be decreased up to 52%, and clearance increased up to 96%. (5) Mean plasma level of a single dose of slow-release theophylline decreased by 39%.(2) Activated charcoal is also effective in treating aminophylline overdose.(17)
Contraindications
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Absence of bowel sounds
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Hypovolemia
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
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Rare or Very Rare
- Abdominal distension
- Abdominal pain with cramps
More Frequent
- Black stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
No enhanced messaging available.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown oral substance toxicity | ||
| T65.91xA | ICD10CM | Toxic effect of unspecified substance, accidental (unintentional), initial encounter |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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