Activated charcoal - benefits and harms. Activated charcoal contraindications and its side effects Activated charcoal tablets instructions for use

One of the most essential medicines each medicine cabinet contains activated charcoal. The use of activated charcoal is not limited to food poisoning, this tool will come to the rescue in other situations.

What is activated charcoal used for?

Being a natural sorbent, the drug is used to bind and remove harmful and toxic substances from the body. As part of complex therapy it is taken when:

• food poisoning
• Ingestion of salts of heavy metals
• dysentery
• cholera
• typhoid fever
• gastritis
• Colitis
• Increased stomach acid
• vomit
• diarrhea

What is activated carbon?

The medicine is made from natural materials (peat, coal), which are heated in an airless space with subsequent processing chemicals. Thanks to this technology, the finished tablet has a porous structure.

The pores can significantly increase the suction surface of the sorbent. Crushed tablets (powder) have an even greater ability to absorb, therefore, for a thicker and faster effect, it is recommended that the tablets be crushed and chewed before use.

Help with poisoning

It is important to know that the sooner assistance is provided for poisoning, the greater the effect can be achieved.

At the first signs of ill health, it is necessary to take 6-8 tablets of activated charcoal, washing them down with a sufficient amount of water. Crushed tablets can be mixed in a glass of water and drunk. Considering that coal does not dissolve in water, the resulting suspension must be shaken well before use.

The drug is continued until recovery, drink 3-4 tablets at a time.

In case of acute intoxication, the stomach is first cleansed with charcoal diluted in water (10-20 g of charcoal per 0.1 l of water), and then 6-8 tablets are given to the patient.

Coal has a local effect on the body, is not absorbed by the intestines and is excreted in the same volume in which it was taken, staining stool in black.

It is treated according to the same scheme, the instructions for the drug recommend taking 3-5 tablets an hour or two before alcohol in order to reduce the damage to the body.

With severe vomiting, it is first necessary to take antiemetic drugs, and only then - activated charcoal.

Intestinal problems

Activated charcoal is effective for stool problems: diarrhea, constipation, flatulence.

The causes of bowel dysfunction are:

1. Fermentation
2. rotting
3. Gastritis
4. Pancreatitis

How much and how often to take coal depends on the severity of the problem:

• At the initial stage, it is enough to take the drug in the morning and in the evening, 2 tablets per dose;
• Constipation or diarrhea lasting more than two days is treated according to the scheme 3 tablets at a time, three times a day;
• The medicine is taken before or after meals, with an interval of 1-2 hours.

If home treatment does not work, you should seek qualified medical care. Prolonged diarrhea threatens with serious dehydration of the body and further deterioration of the condition.

However, if constipation is caused by an atonic bowel condition, there is a suspicion of intestinal obstruction, rectal bleeding, with an exacerbation of an ulcer, activated charcoal should not be drunk.

Coal adsorbs gases, toxins, slags, thus cleaning the intestines.

Additionally, you can conduct several courses of cleansing, taking coal three times a day before meals, the dosage is 1 tablet for every 10 kilos of body weight. The duration of the course is 1-2 weeks.

Relieve allergies

At food allergies accelerate the removal of the allergen from the body will allow the use of activated charcoal. The standard scheme is 3 tablets per dose, 3-4 times a day. A specialist will help you choose an individual dosage.

Is it possible to lose weight with magic pills?

There is no evidence that activated charcoal is a weight loss drug. In some cases, it helps to reduce weight by cleansing the intestines, but you should not get involved in such weight loss methods.

When taking activated charcoal, it is necessary to provide the body with vitamins and minerals, since charcoal also binds and removes them. In addition, long-term use of the drug is fraught with impaired activity intestinal microflora, so probiotics during this period will also not be superfluous.

A quick and noticeable effect for weight loss from coal is not to be expected. It is used in conjunction with low calorie diet and active physical activity(gym, gym, swimming pool, fitness).

For pregnant and lactating

Activated charcoal is one of the few drugs that can be taken with and breastfeeding without fear of harming the child. Neither powder nor tablets release medicinal substances into the blood, which can pass through the placental barrier to the fetus or with breast milk when feeding. The drug acts locally in the intestines and is excreted from the body through the digestive tract.

In connection with hormonal changes, occurring in the body of a woman in the first trimester, many have a broken stool, suffer from constipation, increased gas formation, intestinal colic. All these problems will be overcome by activated charcoal. Additionally, it will reduce the acidity of the stomach and relieve heartburn, which also appears at this time quite often.

To solve "digestive" problems, take 2-3 tablets 2 hours after eating. It is important to remember that coal removes and useful material from the intestines, which are doubly necessary for the expectant mother. Therefore, despite the harmlessness of coal, one should not get carried away with such preventive measures.

The use of activated carbon in pediatrics

The drug is prescribed to children, because possible side effects reduced to a minimum, and it is necessary to help the child.

The medicine is prescribed for:

• Poisoning (food, chemical, medicinal);
• Infectious diseases manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia);

It is difficult for small children to swallow a tablet, so the drug is given crushed, in the form of an aqueous suspension. In addition, the sorbent is produced in the form of ready-made powder, paste - forms that are more convenient for treating children.

For newborns, activated charcoal is prescribed as part of complex therapy in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. Moms should not be afraid, coal will not cause any harm. Parents should remember that thanks to the coal, the feces will be black and this is absolutely natural.

Hollywood smile

Popular use of activated charcoal for teeth whitening. Numerous tests prove that regular brushing with charcoal powder can help make them visibly whiter. This fact cannot but arouse enthusiasm, since the drug is cheap and accessible to everyone, and the effect is stunning.

However, before you start bleaching, you should understand how the powder works. The enamel turns yellow and darkens due to the fact that food dyes, particles of food, tea, coffee, and cigarette smoke remain on its surface. Partially, these substances are sorbed by coal and removed from the surface, visually making teeth whiter.

But no matter how finely dispersed the powder is, it still acts on the principle of abrasives - it removes food residues from the teeth mechanically, leaving scratches that are invisible for the time being. Constant dental treatment can lead to serious dental problems, so you should not abuse it.

Glowing facial skin

Activated charcoal is part of face masks. It absorbs substances that clog pores, opening them, reduces skin oiliness, and fights inflammation.

The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes, exceeding the time you can achieve an absolutely opposite effect: small particles of coal so deeply and reliably eat into the skin that they will give it a dark earthy tint, which will not be easy to get rid of.

Crushed tablets or ready-made powder are mixed with other ingredients and applied to pre-steamed skin.

• The black dot mask includes a crushed activated charcoal tablet and 1 tsp. gelatin. Add 2 tsp to the mixture. milk and put in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Before applying, the mask must be cooled and applied to problem areas (nose, chin, forehead). The mask is removed after drying.
• Ice tones and refreshes the skin. A greater effect can be achieved if crushed charcoal tablets are added to the water before freezing.
• give healthy look, clean it, a mask of coal (1 tablet), yogurt without additives and dyes (2 tsp) will help, and lemon juice(1 tsp)
• a mask of charcoal (2 tablets), aloe juice (1 tsp) and sea salt (½ tsp) is recommended. In the mixture, you can add 2 drops of tea tree oil, which has a pronounced antiseptic effect.
• In the absence of additional ingredients, crushed tablets are mixed with warm water or milk to a mushy state and applied to the face.

In addition to black, a drug called "White Coal" is sold in pharmacies. A marketing ploy designed to draw attention to a new drug and increase sales. The drug based on cellulose and silicon oxide has a high adsorption capacity, respectively, the dosage is several times lower.

The drug improves intestinal motility, does not cause constipation. However, give children this medicine Not recommended.

Activated carbon from a pharmacy is intended for purely medical purposes, it should not be used for filters in an aquarium, since all inhabitants may die. For these purposes, a substance with the same name intended for water purification is sold in specialized stores.

Activated charcoal helps to stop the signs of poisoning, cope with severe infectious diseases, but this drug should be taken according to the instructions, since the thoughtless use of coal to obtain the mythical effect of rapid weight loss, for example, will not benefit, but harm.

Activated carbon is a porous enterosorbent with high detoxification properties. Due to this, the drug is very popular, but in some cases it is recommended to refrain from using it. Let us consider in more detail the contraindications of activated carbon and the undesirable consequences of taking it.

What diseases are incompatible?

With colitis, pancreatitis, the intake of activated charcoal is categorically contraindicated. The reason for this is that the drug stains the stool black. A similar color can also be observed with ulcerative bleeding, since in this case the feces mix with the blood digested in the intestines and take on the appearance of tar. Coal can mask the bleeding, and the time for first aid to the patient will be missed. For the same reason, you can not take coal with a tract of various etiologies. These contraindications of activated charcoal do not apply to other sorbents - "Smecta", "Enterosgel", "Polysorb". In case of individual intolerance caused by hypersensitivity to the drug, it is also necessary to refuse to take it.

Side effects

Activated charcoal has one significant disadvantage. Not possessing selectivity, it absorbs everything in a row - both toxins and useful substances. As a result of absorption beneficial vitamins, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, beriberi and metabolic disorders of the body can develop. To avoid this, it is recommended to take coal in short courses. To reduce the contact of the drug with useful substances, you should not combine the intake of coal with food. The gap should be at least an hour. The same rule applies to the combination of coal with other drugs (contraceptive, cardiac, vascular), as it reduces their effectiveness. And the simultaneous intake of coal with antitoxins, antidotes is unacceptable at all. Based on this, and taking into account the contraindications of activated charcoal, only a short course is recommended for poisoning and foodborne infections. Also, taking activated charcoal can provoke or increase constipation. In such cases, it will be more correct to regulate the stool with the help of (prunes, beets, kefir).

Can activated charcoal help you lose weight?

Losing weight from activated charcoal is really possible, but not by much. The mechanism of action of the drug is based on reducing the calorie content of food due to the adsorption and excretion of fats. But there is also back side such a diet. Together with fats, vitamins and minerals necessary for the body are bound. As a result, along with calorie content, it becomes depleted the nutritional value products. Therefore, for weight loss - a controversial issue. Do not forget that this is a drug recommended for use in certain cases. When deciding on a “charcoal diet”, you need to take into account the contraindications of activated charcoal and possible consequences for the body.

It is high doses of the drug that make the modern consumer doubt the appropriateness of its use in medicinal purposes. Doctors also reinforce doubts by offering other medicines that require lower dosages for administration, but are many times more expensive. Does coal really lose to them in terms of adsorbing abilities?

Features of the drug

Activated carbon is a porous hydrocarbon compound whose hexagonal atomic structures form irregularly offset layers. For example, the structure of another hydrocarbon compound - graphite - involves parallel layers of atoms, which is why its adsorption capacity is not comparable to those of coal. Its discrepancies between the layers form pores of different sizes. Scientists identify:

• micropores;
• mesopores;
• macropores.

It is the variety of sizes of porous holes that provides universal adsorption - coal is able to accumulate particles up to a nanometer in size, as well as macromolecules of organic compounds. In addition, the branching of the holes and high surface activity provide a huge area of ​​contact with gaseous and liquid media, as a result, the latter are cleaned of almost any impurities.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the characteristic of the indifference of coal:

• inert - a substance does not react with molecules of an organic or chemical nature;
• not selective to the state- equally actively interacts with both liquids and gases;
• no further interaction- binds substances without converting them, preventing the appearance of more toxic forms;
• safe for fabrics- does not have irritating properties, therefore it does not damage the mucous membranes.

These properties of the drug make it ideal for detoxification of the human body.

Classic charcoal tablets can be used to treat adults and children from three years.

Raw material activation

The adsorption qualities of any substance depend on the area of ​​contact of its molecules with the medium being cleaned. Charcoal has quite a few internal passages, which are large in size, and the total contact area is limited by closed external pores and an insufficient number of micropores.

To increase the adsorption capacity, ordinary charcoal is activated - it is treated with water vapor at the highest temperature, reaching 1000 ° C in the absence of oxygen. Thanks to this processing, the raw materials undergo special changes:

• pores appear surface openings and the number of macro-holes increase, and a huge number of micropores appear;
• the total area increases- adsorption surface increases up to 1000-2000 m² per 1 g of the obtained substance.

Activated charcoal powder has the most active adsorption, so it is recommended to crush the tablets before ingestion. The rate of absorption of harmful substances by a whole tablet is significantly lower, since it will take time for it to disintegrate in a liquid medium.

Indications

The drug is able to absorb a huge amount of substances:

• endogenous toxins;
• gaseous products of decay and fermentation processes;
• alkaloid compounds;
• any kind of glycosides;
• heavy metals in the form of salts;
• salts of salicylic acid;
• barbiturates;
• organic compounds.

It acts only in the intestines, is not absorbed into the blood, is excreted unchanged by the body during defecation for 24-48 hours after ingestion.

In this regard, activated charcoal is taken to eliminate or alleviate the symptoms of a number of pathological conditions.

• Gastritis. Especially if irritation of the mucous membrane provokes increased secretion of hydrochloric acid.
• Flatulence. Often, flatulence manifests itself with overeating, improper diet, violations of the intestinal microflora, as well as enzymatic insufficiency of digestive processes. Taking the drug alleviates the condition as it enters the intestines - the less food is eaten before taking, the faster the increased gas formation will be eliminated.
• Diarrhea. The etiology does not matter in this case, since the drug will be appropriate both for poisoning and for an increased water content in the intestine, provoked by the use of laxatives.
• Food poisoning. These include dysentery, salmonellosis.
• Chemical poisoning. For example, salts of heavy metals, alcohol, nitrogen-containing compounds. It is important to know that the concentration of toxic substances in the blood plasma decreases only after several doses of high doses of coal. And even if the remedy is taken for a hangover, a single dose will not be enough.
• Burns. Severe burns, with a large area of ​​damage, require the use of adsorbents to eliminate toxemia and septicotoxemia - poisoning with toxins of endogenous origin.
• Hepatitis. Hepatitis of viral, medicinal, alcoholic origin, as well as cirrhosis of the liver are often accompanied by hyperbilirubinemia.
• Allergy. The tool is used to bind and remove possible provocateurs allergic reaction if there is a suspicion that allergens come with food. It is used for complex therapy of atopic dermatitis, urticaria of unknown cause, bronchial asthma.

Coal is also taken before the examination. The drug is used in advance to eliminate increased gas formation in the intestine, which interferes with obtaining adequate results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance and x-ray studies.

In spite of total indication"dyspeptic disorders", taking coal for constipation is inappropriate.

Application rules

Activated charcoal is considered one of the safest drugs on the entire pharmaceutical market. Naturally, to confirm this characteristic, its correct application is necessary.

• During pregnancy. Reception is not contraindicated during periods of childbearing and lactation, but requires prior approval from the doctor.
• In childhood. Due to the fine dispersion of activated charcoal, there is a risk of asphyxia when taken by children. Therefore, the child should be given a powder dissolved in a small amount of water.
• Contraindications. The drug should not be taken orally if the patient is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, duodenum, nonspecific ulcerative colitis or intestinal atony.
• Adverse reactions. Charcoal turns feces black. It can also provoke constipation, so during therapy it is necessary to take care of the optimal drinking regimen and a balanced diet.

Uncontrolled and improper use of the drug can lead to health problems.

• Small doses. If the drug is taken in insufficient doses on top of a large meal, there is a risk of desorption of toxins. They leave the coal pores and again penetrate the mucous membranes. That is why, in case of acute poisoning, it is recommended that the primary gastric lavage with charcoal, after which its internal use to create an effective concentration inside the intestine.
• Long term intake. Often accompanied by different methods for losing weight. It is important to understand that coal absorbs not only harmful substances, but also useful, necessary ones. In addition to metal salts and toxins of bacterial origin, the substance adsorbs vitamins, minerals, amino acids, which is fraught with the development of vitamin deficiency, disruption immune system the occurrence of anemia.
• Irrational reception. Any doses of coal are taken two hours before or two hours after meals, taking medications, vitamin and mineral complexes. If this recommendation is ignored, the effectiveness of other medicines, and the absorbed food is deprived a large number useful substances.

Given the fact that activated charcoal is excreted unchanged by the body, the risk of overdose is excluded.

Dosage and method of taking the drug

How many grams are in one tablet and is there lethal dose? The dosage depends on the purpose of taking the drug, as well as the age of the patient.

Children

On average, the dose of coal for a child is usually calculated from the norm - 0.05 g per 1 kg of body weight. That is, one tablet is designed for 5 kg of a child's weight. The medicine should be taken with a glass clean water(no less).

• Children from three to seven years old. The usual dose (for flatulence, allergies, gastritis) is two to four tablets three or four times a day. With diarrhea, the dose can be increased to five tablets four times a day. In case of acute poisoning, children from three to seven years old are supposed to take 15 g of the drug per day - three times 5 g, that is, 20 tablets of 250 mg.
• Children from seven to 14 years old. The standard dose is four tablets four times a day. With diarrhea - five to six tablets four times a day. In case of poisoning - 7 g of powder three times a day.

adults

The most common misconception is the opinion that it is enough for an adult to take one tablet of coal per 10 kg of body weight.

• Usual dose. Six tablets four times a day. It is used for allergies, to eliminate flatulence, in preparation for research.
• Increased dose. It is prescribed for gastritis and high acidity. It is 2 g of activated charcoal for a four-time intake per day. That is, eight tablets, four times - a total of 32 tablets.
• Maximum dose. In case of poisoning, they drink 20-30 g of the drug (from 80 to 120 tablets). Crushed into powder, diluted with a glass of water and taken orally or used for gastric lavage. After its complete cleansing, the same dose of the drug should be repeated.

The minimum duration of treatment for an adult is three days, the maximum is 15 days.

Release form

The most affordable in terms of price is the usual activated carbon in tablet form, which contains 250 mg of pure active ingredient, as well as auxiliary components. The inconvenience of taking tablets is due to the need to pre-crush them. The suspension can be difficult to drink, so pharmaceutical manufacturers have created encapsulated forms.

• "Sorbex". One capsule of the drug contains 250 mg of activated charcoal in granular form. Due to this, not only the area of ​​the adsorbing surface increases, but also the activity of the drug is prolonged. This is justified by the additional disintegration of the granules inside the body. The standard dosage for an adult is two to three capsules per dose. The drug exhibits more active detoxifying properties compared to charcoal tablets.
• "Extrasorb". Activated charcoal capsules available in various dosages: 110 mg, 220 mg, 250 mg per capsule.
• "Ultra-Adsorb". Capsulated form with a dosage of 200 mg. The standard dose for an adult is two to three capsules per dose.
• "Carbopekt". The dose of activated charcoal in one capsule is 110 mg, so four to eight capsules for an adult are recommended for a single dose. The maximum single dose is 32 capsules of the drug.
• "Carbolong". It is produced in the form of activated carbon powder, packaged in bags of 5 g. The most convenient dosage form to eliminate acute intoxications. The recommended dose for an adult is one to two packets three times a day. Children from seven years old can take one packet three times a day. The powder should be diluted in half a glass of water.

Encapsulated forms of activated charcoal are positioned as fast-acting. This is due to the increased rate of absorption of toxins after the capsule enters the body and dissolves its gelatin shell.

Additional features of the sorbent

In addition to medical purposes, the drug is also used for household purposes.

• To eliminate unpleasant odors. Activated charcoal will help get rid of musty, damp and moldy smells in the room, refrigerator, near the trash cans. To do this, fill a flat container with coal powder and install it in the required place. It is recommended to replace the contents of the dishes every three days until the odors are completely eliminated or dry the used coal in the oven at a temperature of 200 ºС.
• To absorb moisture. With insufficient ventilation in the room, moisture quickly accumulates, causing the development of mold fungi. It is recommended to place containers with coal in damp rooms. It is advisable to put them in the corners, under the windowsills, near the clothes dryer if you have to dry it in the house.
• For cleaning shoes. There are special insoles with a layer of activated carbon. They provide good ventilation of the foot, prevent sweating and unpleasant odor. Also, to eliminate an unpleasant odor or prevent its occurrence, you can put a linen bag filled with coal in your shoes at night. The same manipulation will help to dry a wet boot faster.

Activated charcoal is also actively used for beauty. It is used for weight loss, taking three times a day before meals. Compliance with the recommendations for taking on an empty stomach is mandatory, since the drug absorbs vitamins and nutrients from food. Also, with the help of coal, homemade masks for the face and scalp are made to eliminate their increased fat content.

When using activated charcoal for the treatment of disorders or other purposes, one should not forget that it is a drug and, despite its safety, requires strict adherence to the recommendations of the instructions. Before using the product in children, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

Activated charcoal can be called a regular in the home first aid kits of the vast majority of our compatriots. A picnic, a vacation in exotic and not very countries, an upcoming stormy feast - these black tablets will not be superfluous anywhere here. Activated charcoal is the most famous enterosorbent with detoxification and antidiarrheal properties. The main "technical and tactical" characteristic of this preparation is its high surface activity, which predetermines its enviable ability to accumulate substances that reduce surface energy without changing their chemical structure. Literally everything that moves within its reach (with the exception of acids and alkalis) gets into the "network" of activated carbon: gases, toxic substances, glycosides, alkaloids, salts of heavy metals, barbiturates, salicylates and many other substances. It absorbs all this organic and inorganic "garbage", reduces the absorption of these substances in the digestive tract and in every possible way contributes to their elimination from the body along with feces. Can be used as a sorbent for blood filtration (hemoperfusion). The drug does not irritate the mucous membranes. There is a successful experience of local (in a patch) application of coal to accelerate the healing of ulcers.

In order to get the most out of activated charcoal, it should be used immediately after poisoning, or at least within the first hour after it. For the treatment of toxic lesions, the goal should be to achieve the maximum concentration of coal in the stomach before, and in the intestine after washing it. The presence of hummus in the digestive tract requires an increase in the dose of the drug, because. food masses are sorbed by coal, as a result of which the activity of the latter decreases.

Activated charcoal is available in the form of tablets. You can take them whole, or pre-grind and mix the resulting mixture with water. Optimal time reception - 1 hour before meals. If some other medicines, then the latter should be taken 1 hour after taking coal, so as not to interfere with their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. The dosage regimen for activated charcoal is as follows: 1-2 g 3-4 times a day with a single maximum of 8 g. For children, the dose is calculated based on body weight: 0.05 g per 1 kg 3 times a day with a single maximum of 0, 2 g per 1 kg. The duration of treatment for acute diseases is 3-5 days. In chronic pathological processes and allergies, treatment is extended up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, in agreement with the doctor, the course can be repeated.

Pharmacology

adsorbent. It has high surface activity and high sorption capacity. Reduces absorption from the gastrointestinal tract of toxic substances, salts of heavy metals, alkaloids and glycosides, medicinal substances, contributing to their excretion from the body. It adsorbs gases on its surface.

Release form

10 pieces. - cellular contour packings (2) - packs of cardboard.
10 pieces. - cellular contour packings (4) - packs of cardboard.
10 pieces. - cellular contour packings (10) - packs of cardboard.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour (100) - plastic bags (1) - boxes.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour (200) - plastic bags (1) - boxes.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour (400) - plastic bags (1) - boxes.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour (500) - plastic bags (1) - boxes.
10 pieces. - non-cell packing contour (600) - plastic bags (1) - boxes.

Dosage

Inside, 250-750 mg 3-4 times / day. When used as an antidote, the dosage regimen is individual.

Interaction

Activated charcoal has adsorbing properties and, when taken in high doses with other drugs, can significantly reduce their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of other drugs.

Russian name

Latin name for activated charcoal

Pharmacological group of the substance Activated carbon

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

CAS code

Characteristics of the substance Activated carbon

Black powder, odorless and tasteless. Practically insoluble in common solvents.

Pharmacology

It is characterized by high surface activity, which determines the ability to bind substances that lower surface energy (without changing their chemical nature). It sorbs gases, toxins, alkaloids, glycosides, salts of heavy metals, salicylates, barbiturates and other compounds, reduces their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes excretion from the body with feces. Active as a sorbent during hemoperfusion. Weakly adsorbs acids and alkalis (including iron salts, cyanides, malathion, methanol, ethylene glycol). Does not irritate mucous membranes. At topical application in the patch increases the rate of healing of ulcers. For the development of the maximum effect, it is recommended to enter immediately after poisoning or during the first hours. In the treatment of intoxication, it is necessary to create an excess of coal in the stomach (before washing it) and in the intestines (after washing the stomach). The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires the introduction of high doses, because. the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by carbon and its activity is reduced. A decrease in the concentration of coal in the medium contributes to the desorption of the bound substance and its absorption (to prevent the resorption of the released substance, repeated gastric lavage and the appointment of coal are recommended). If the poisoning is caused by substances involved in the enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), it is necessary to use coal for several days. It is especially effective as a sorbent for hemoperfusion in cases of acute poisoning with barbiturates, glutethimide, theophylline.

Application of the substance Activated carbon

Dyspepsia, diseases accompanied by processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines (including flatulence), hyperacidity and hypersecretion gastric juice, diarrhea, acute poisoning(including alkaloids, glycosides, salts of heavy metals), diseases with a toxic syndrome - food poisoning, dysentery, salmonellosis, burn disease in the stage of toxemia and septicotoxemia, hyperazotemia (chronic kidney failure), hyperbilirubinemia (chronic and acute viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver), allergic diseases, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, preparation for x-ray and ultrasound examinations (to reduce gas formation in the intestines).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including exacerbation peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, nonspecific ulcerative colitis), bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, simultaneous administration of antitoxic substances, the effect of which develops after absorption (methionine, etc.).

Side effects of activated charcoal

Dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhea, black-colored stools; with prolonged use (more than 14 days), malabsorption of calcium, fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones, nutrients is possible; with hemoperfusion through activated charcoal, embolism, hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, and a decrease in blood pressure may develop.

Interaction

Activated charcoal reduces the absorption and effectiveness of drugs taken orally at the same time; reduces the activity of intragastrically active substances (for example, ipecac).

special instructions

Interactions with other active substances

Trade names