medicinal charcoal · carbo medicinalis
Adsorbent (primary decontamination)
Oral poisoning with a substance adsorbed by charcoal – adults and adolescents from 12 y
- Not routinely – consider for a potentially toxic amount of an adsorbable substance, ideally within 1 h of ingestion Indication[104]
- 50–100 g p.o. or via gastric tube (as a suspension)[103]as early as possible
Give only on medical prescription or after consultation with the poisons information centre. With impaired consciousness only if the airway is secured (aspiration).
Oral poisoning with a substance adsorbed by charcoal – children
- 1 g/kg p.o. or via gastric tube[103]max. 50 g
- not a stand-alone age-based dose, 1 g/kg (max. 50 g) remains decisive – < 12 y approx. ½ bottle (approx. 25 g) · < 4 y approx. ¼ bottle (approx. 12.5 g) Guide for a 50 g bottle (product-dependent)[103]
The weight-based dose of 1 g/kg (max. 50 g) is decisive. Age-based figures are product-dependent guides (bottle size), not a fixed age-based dose – agree indication and amount with the poisons information centre. With impaired consciousness only if the airway is secured (aspiration).
Activated charcoal – Oral poisoning with a substance adsorbed by charcoal – children
| BW | 1 g/kg p.o. or via gastric tube |
|---|---|
| 3 kg | 3 g |
| 5 kg | 5 g |
| 10 kg | 10 g |
| 15 kg | 15 g |
| 20 kg | 20 g |
| 25 kg | 25 g |
| 30 kg | 30 g |
| 40 kg | 40 g |
Contraindications
- Unprotected airway with impaired consciousness or absent protective reflexes
- Acids and alkalis (no binding, impedes endoscopy)
- Hydrocarbons/petroleum products (risk of aspiration, insufficient binding)
- Ileus, bowel obstruction or perforation
Notes
- Insufficient binding of, among others, iron, lithium, thallium, cyanide, methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol (SmPC).
- Severe poisoning – repeated doses if needed (e.g. 20 g every 4–6 h; SmPC) after consultation with the poisons information centre.
- Also binds orally administered antidotes and drugs – separate the times of administration.
- Vomiting common; black discolouration of stools; constipation.