Activated Charcoal for intoxication treatment - a gold standard or a myth?
The research published in German journal looks into activated charcoal mechanism of action, main indications, the preferred mode of administration, and its adverse effects. This medication can adsorb onto its surface multiple drugs, phytotoxins and poisonous chemicals. This is the main mechanism that prevents further absorption of these substances in the gastrointestinal tract. In clinical practice there are certain administration recommendations, one of which is the use of powder or granulate formula (10-100 g). Commonly used carbon tablets, contain only 250 mg each, increasing the number of tablets needed to achieve an adequate dosage. The other important consideration is timing- to effectively eliminate poison, it must interact with the substance, so should be given promptly. For many years it was recommended a simultaneous administration of a laxative, however this is no longer practiced. Check more details in the original article by the link!