Activated charcoal (medication)

Activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon) is a medication used to treat poisoning and overdoses following oral ingestion. It is not effective for a number of poisonings including strong acids or alkali, cyanide, iron, lithium, arsenic, or ethanol.

Mechanism of action

Activated charcoal works by adsorption, a chemical reaction where certain substances are attracted to activated charcoal and bond with it. The large surface area of activated charcoal gives it countless bonding sites. When certain chemicals pass close to the charcoal surface, they attach to the surface and are trapped.

Medical uses

Activated charcoal is used to treat poisonings and overdoses following oral ingestion. It is usually only used in a hospital setting and should not be used at home. Activated charcoal is not effective for all types of poisonings. It is most effective when used within one hour of ingestion.

Side effects

Common side effects of activated charcoal include black stools, black tongue, vomiting or diarrhea, or constipation. In more serious cases, it can cause gastrointestinal blockages.

Contraindications

Activated charcoal is not recommended for use in people who have ingested corrosive substances such as strong acids or alkali, cyanide, iron, lithium, arsenic, or ethanol. It is also not recommended for people with slow digestion, blockages in the gut, or recent surgery.

History

Activated charcoal has been used as a poison antidote since the early 19th century. It was first used by French chemist Michel Bertrand in 1811 in an experiment to save a patient who had ingested mercury chloride.

See also

• Charcoal (disambiguation)
• Poison control center