Activated charcoal

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (CARBOACTIVATUS)

Composition:

Active substance: carbo activatus;

1 tablet contains: activated charcoal – 0.25 g;

Excipients: potato starch, talc.

Pharmaceutical form. Tablets.

Main physicochemical properties: black, round-shaped tablets with a flat surface.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Enter sorbents.

ATC code A07B A01.

Pharmacological properties.

Pharmacodynamics.

Vegetable charcoal, which, due to special processing (activation), has a large adsorption surface and is capable of absorbing gases, alkaloids, endo- and exotoxins, and other chemical compounds. Activated charcoal in tablet form has somewhat lower adsorption capacity compared to the powder form.

Pharmacokinetics.

The drug is non-toxic and is well eliminated from the body through the intestine. The preparation is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is completely excreted in the feces within 8–24 hours.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

• Acute poisoning of household, industrial, and food origin;

• acute poisoning with drugs, alkaloids, heavy metal salts;

• dyspepsia, flatulence, foodborne toxicoinfections.

• Preparation for radiological examinations.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Peptic ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal bleeding.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other types of interactions.

Due to its adsorbing properties, activated charcoal may reduce the effectiveness of medicinal products taken simultaneously with it. Therefore, during concomitant pharmacotherapy, activated charcoal should be taken 1–1.5 hours before or after administration of other medicinal products.

Special precautions.

Due to the adsorptive properties of activated charcoal, it should be taken 1–1.5 hours before or after the administration of medicinal products or food, if concomitant pharmacotherapy is used.

Prolonged use (more than 15 days) may interfere with absorption and may lead to deficiencies of vitamins, hormones, fats, and proteins in the body, requiring appropriate medical or dietary correction.

In cases of hypovitaminosis, which may occur during prolonged use of activated charcoal, polyvitamins should be prescribed. Women taking oral contraceptives are advised to use alternative contraceptive methods during treatment with activated charcoal.

Stool may turn black after taking the drug.

"Activated charcoal" is a conventional medicinal product of mineral origin, intended for use according to indications supported by long-term clinical experience.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

There are no data indicating a negative effect of activated charcoal during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Ability to influence reaction rate when driving or operating machinery.

Has no effect.

Method of Administration and Dosage

For meteorism and dyspepsia, adults should take 1 to 3 tablets 3–4 times daily.

In cases of poisoning and intoxications, administer at a dose of 20–30 g per dose as an aqueous suspension in 0.5–2 glasses of water. This suspension may also be used for gastric lavage.

For increased acidity, adults should be prescribed 1–2 g of the medicinal product 3–4 times daily. To achieve a faster and more pronounced effect, the tablets may be crushed and taken as a suspension (in 0.5 glass of water).

Children aged 3 years and older: the usual dose is 2–4 tablets 3–4 times daily; in cases of diarrhea, the dose may be increased to 4–5 tablets 3–4 times daily.

In various poisonings, children aged 3 to 7 years should be administered 5 g orally, 3 times daily; children aged 7 to 14 years should be administered 7 g orally, 3 times daily. Activated charcoal should always be administered to children as a suspension of crushed tablets in a small amount of water, followed by drinking one glass of water.

The treatment course for acute conditions lasts 3–5 days; for chronic conditions caused by endogenous intoxications, the course lasts 10–15 days.

The patient should consult a physician if disease symptoms persist during treatment or if any adverse reactions occur.

Children. The medicinal product should not be used in children under 3 years of age.

Overdose.

Significant exceeding of maximum single doses may lead to adverse effects: nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which resolve after discontinuation of the medicinal product.

Side effects.

Possible manifestations of increased sensitivity, constipation or diarrhea, which are easily resolved by discontinuing the drug and initiating symptomatic therapy. Nausea and vomiting may occur. With prolonged use, deficiency of vitamins, hormones, fats, and proteins may develop, requiring medical correction. If any adverse events occur, the patient must consult a physician.

Shelf life. 5 years.

Do not use after the expiry date stated on the packaging.

Storage conditions.

Store in the original packaging, away from substances that emit gases and vapors, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.

Keep out of reach of children.

Packaging.

10 tablets in blisters.

10 tablets per blister; 2 or 10 blisters per cardboard box.

Supply category.

Over-the-counter.

Manufacturer.

PJSC “CHEMICAL PHARMACEUTICAL PLANT “CHERVONA ZIRKA”.

Manufacturer’s location and address of business activity.

1, Gordienkivska Street, Kharkiv, Kharkiv region, 61010, Ukraine.