Charcoal Powder bpc 1934
Activated charcoal is contraindicated if no bowel sounds are present or if the agent ingested is known to produce ileus. It is also contraindicated in nonintubated animals that have no airway protective reflexes because pulmonary aspiration of activated charcoal is hazardous.
Activated charcoal should also not be given before, with, or just after ipecac syrup because it may adsorb the ipecac and interfere with its emetic properties. Activated charcoal may also adsorb and decrease the effectiveness of specific antidotes (e.g., acetylcysteine, penicillamine) administered orally. It should not be mixed with ice cream, sherbet, milk, or sugar syrup.
Activated charcoal is ineffective in the treatment of poisoning with the following substances:
- Inorganic toxins: ammonia, borates and borax, bromide, fluoride, chlorates, cyanide, iodide, nitrates and nitrites, phosphorus, sodium chloride
- Heavy metals: arsenic, copper, iron, lead, lithium
- Corrosive and caustic acids and alkalies, cationic detergents, paraquat, and diquat
- Petroleum products (e.g., white spirit, kerosene, xylene)
- Small polar molecules (e.g., alcohols, ethylene glycol, urea)
- Camphor and metaldehyde
500g
