ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

1. Trade Names
   1. Charcodote, SuperChar

2. Therapeutic Effects
   1. Absorbs many poisonous compounds to its surface, thereby reducing their absorption by the body. particularly effective in binding aspirin, amphetamines, strychnine, Dilantin, theophylline, and phenobarbital.

3. Indications
   1. To treat certain cases of POISONING and OVERDOSE.

4. Contraindications
   1. There are no absolute contraindications to activated charcoal, but there are a number of poisonings in which it is ineffective and may create more problems than it solves:
      1. Of no value in poisoning due to methanol, caustic acids and alkalis, iron tablets, and lithium.
      2. Do not use in cyanide poisoning.
   2. Activated charcoal should not be used if the container in which it was stored was not tightly sealed.

5. How Supplied
   1. Fine black powder or liquid in 25 gm and 50 gm.

6. Administration and Dosage
   1. Given by mouth or through nasogastric (paramedics only) tube.
   2. Dosage: A good rule of thumb for both children and adults is 1 gm/kg. The charcoal is mixed in tap water to make a slurry.