Activated carbon

Absorption

No evidence of systemic absorption of activated charcoal

Toxicity

Adverse effects from the treatment include aspiration into the lungs and possibly pneumonitis, black stools, vomiting, and constipation or diarrhea. The oral LD50 value in rats is 15400mg/kg.

Chemical properties

Black, light powder free from grittiness

The Uses of Activated carbon

Activated carbons are internally porous microcrystalline, non-graphitic forms of carbon. The activated carbons possess large surface area (～1000 m²/g) and pore volumes which make them useful for applications in energy storage devices, catalysis, and for removal of impurities from gases and liquids.Our activated carbon has been modified with Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate and is well suited for metal ion removal from water.

The Uses of Activated carbon

Adsorbent.

The Uses of Activated carbon

Activated charcoal is used as an oral absorbent in treating oral intoxication from many substances.

Indications

Used as a antidote to treat poisonings following excessive oral ingestion of certain medications or poisons.

Background

Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is an amorphous form of carbon prepared from incomplete combustion of carbonaceous organic matter. It is activated by an oxidizing gas flow at high temperature passed over its surface to make a fine network of pores, producing a material with large surface area and high affinity for various substances. It is used as a gastric decontaminant and emergency medication to treat poisonings following excessive oral ingestion of certain medications or poisons by absorbing most drugs and toxins. However its effects is rendered poor on some compounds including strong acids or bases, methanol and substances with limited absorptive capacity (including iron, lithium, arsenic). It works by binding to the poison in the gastric contents in a reversible fashion thus may be adminstered together with a cathartic to reduce the small intestine transit time. The clinical applications of activated charcoal occured in the early 1800's. While this management for acute poisoning is considered fairly invasive, it is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines that includes the most important medications needed in a basic health system.

Definition

An amorphous form of carbon made by heating wood or other organic material in the absence of air. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been heated to drive off absorbed gas. It is used for absorbing gases and for removing impurities from liquids.

Pharmacokinetics

Activated charcoal is used as a gastric decontamination agent in emergency clinical settings in case of poison or medication overdose. Studies show that early administration of one dose of activated charcoal can adsorb poison in the stomach and reduce absorption while it also works long after ingestion, by interruption of enterohepatic and enterovascular cycling of poison.

Safety Profile

It can cause a dust irritation, particularly to the eyes and mucous membranes. Combustible when exposed to heat. Dust is flammable and explosive when exposed to heat or flame or oxides.

Metabolism

Not Available