Activated charcoal is using in the emergency treat of certain kinds of poisoning. It helps prevent the poison from being absorbed from the stomach into the body. Sometimes, few doses of activated charcoal are needed to treat severe poisoning. Ordinarily, this drug is not effective and must not be using in poisoning if corrosive agents such as alkalis - lye and strong acids, iron, boric acid, lithium, petroleum products - cleaning fluid, coal oil, fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene, paint thinner, or alcohols have been swallowed, since it will not prevent these poisons from being absorbed into the body.
Some activated charcoal products contain sorbitol. Sorbitol is a sweetener. It also works as a laxative, for the elimination of the poison from the body. Products that contain sorbitol must be given only under the direct supervision of a family doctor because severe diarrhea and vomiting may result .
Activated charcoal has not been shown to be effective in relieving diarrhea and intestinal gas.
Activated charcoal may be available without a family doctor's prescription; however, before using this drug, call a poison control center, your family doctor, or an emergency room for advice. Activated charcoal is available in the following dosage forms:
Some commonly using brand names are:
In the USA
In Canada
For quick reference, the following medication are numbered to match the corresponding brand names.
This information applies to the following medication: 1. Activated Charcoal - AK-ti-vay-ted CHAR-kole 2. Activated Charcoal and Sorbitol - AK-ti-vay-ted CHAR-kole and SOR-bi-tole Generic name product may be available in the USA Generic name product may be available in Canada