Activated Charcoal is used in the management of diarrhea and poisoning caused by contaminated food, heavy meals, or drug overdose. It is also effective in relieving flatulence due to dietary and other factors.

Activated Charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is commonly used to treat poisoning caused by ingestion. For maximum effectiveness, it should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within one hour of poisoning. However, it is not effective against certain substances such as cyanide, corrosive agents, iron, lithium, alcohols, or malathion. It can be given orally or through a nasogastric tube. It may also be used in specialized procedures like hemoperfusion.

Activated Charcoal works by binding toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. In suspected poisoning cases, it is administered promptly in emergency settings. It has become a preferred method for treating many poisonings, replacing older techniques such as induced vomiting or gastric lavage. Additionally, it interrupts the reabsorption cycle (enterohepatic and enteroenteric circulation) of certain drugs and toxins, aiding their elimination from the body.

Diarrhoea:
Adult: 2-4 tab tds-qds.
Children: ½ adult dose.

Poisoning:
Adult: 2-4 tab/kg body weight
children: 3-4 tab/kg body weight

Flatulence:
Adult: Disintegrate 1-2 tab. Repeat every 2 hr.

Activated Charcoal should not be taken at the same time as other medications, as it may reduce their absorption and effectiveness. A time gap is recommended between doses.

Activated Charcoal is contraindicated in cases of febrile diarrhea. It should not be used in poisoning caused by corrosive substances such as strong acids or alkalis, as it may interfere with diagnostic procedures like endoscopy.

Activated Charcoal is generally well tolerated when used at recommended doses. High doses may cause constipation or, rarely, intestinal obstruction. Black discoloration of stools is a common and harmless effect.

There is limited information available regarding the use of Activated Charcoal during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used only under medical advice.

Various poisons and medications may require alternative or additional management strategies. Activated charcoal is not effective in cases of poisoning with certain organic and inorganic salts or solvents such as lithium, thallium, cyanide, iron salts, methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol. In such situations, other methods (e.g., gastric lavage) may be necessary for toxin removal.

In many poisoning cases, a specific antidote should be administered alongside activated charcoal (for example, acetylcysteine in paracetamol overdose).

To prevent aspiration in unconscious patients, the suspension of Ultracarbon tablets should be administered in water via a gastric tube under medical supervision.

For patients receiving multiple-dose activated charcoal after intoxication, gastrointestinal activity should be closely monitored, particularly bowel sounds, to assess peristalsis.

Ultracarbon is contraindicated in cases of pesticide poisoning.

Activated Charcoal is generally safe, and serious overdose is uncommon. However, excessive intake may lead to constipation or intestinal blockage, which can be managed with saline laxatives.

Anti-diarrhoeal, Antidote preparations

Store below 30°C in a dry place.