How to Administer Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a medication that is commonly used in emergency situations to treat poisoning and drug overdoses. It works by adsorbing (not absorbing) toxins and drugs, binding them to its surface and preventing them from being absorbed by the body.

Here are the steps to follow when administering activated charcoal:

1. Determine the appropriate dosage: The dose of activated charcoal depends on the patient's weight and the severity of the poisoning. In general, the recommended dose is 1 gram of activated charcoal per kilogram of body weight.

2. Prepare the activated charcoal: Activated charcoal comes in powder or liquid form. If you are using the powder form, mix it with water to form a slurry. If you are using the liquid form, shake the bottle well before use.

3. Administer the activated charcoal: The preferred method for administering activated charcoal is via a nasogastric tube, which is a tube that is inserted through the nose and down into the stomach. This ensures that the activated charcoal reaches the stomach, where it can bind to the toxins and drugs.

If a nasogastric tube is not available, activated charcoal can be administered orally. Give the patient a cup of water to drink along with the activated charcoal slurry or liquid. Stir the mixture well before administering it to ensure that the charcoal is well dispersed.

4. Monitor the patient: After administering activated charcoal, monitor the patient for adverse reactions or vomiting. Activated charcoal can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation, but these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

5. Follow up with medical treatment: Activated charcoal is not a substitute for medical treatment. After administering activated charcoal, seek medical attention for the patient as soon as possible.

It is important to note that activated charcoal should not be administered to patients who have ingested corrosive substances such as strong acids or alkalis, or to patients who are unable to protect their airway due to a decreased level of consciousness. In these cases, activated charcoal can cause further damage to the esophagus or lungs.