Activated charcoal

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

Composition:

Active substance: activated charcoal;

1 tablet contains 250 mg of activated charcoal;

Excipient: potato starch.

Pharmaceutical form. Tablets.

Main physicochemical properties: round-shaped, biconvex tablets without a score line, black in color.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Enterosorbents. ATC code A07B A01.

Pharmacological properties.

Pharmacodynamics.

An adsorbing agent. Has high surface activity and strong sorption capacity. Absorbs toxic substances, heavy metal salts, alkaloids and glycosides, medicinal substances from the gastrointestinal tract, promoting their elimination from the body. Adsorbs gases on its surface.

Activated charcoal in tablets has lower adsorption capacity compared to powder, but is more convenient to use.

Pharmacokinetics.

The drug is non-toxic.

Activated charcoal is not absorbed and is well excreted from the body through the intestine.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

Food toxicoinfections; acute poisoning with food, household, and industrial toxins, alkaloids, medicinal agents, heavy metal salts; dyspepsia, meteorism; preparation for radiological examinations.

Contraindications.

• Gastrointestinal tract ulcers;
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

Due to its adsorption properties, activated charcoal may reduce the efficacy of medicinal products taken simultaneously.

Special precautions.

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

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

In case of hypovitaminosis developing due to prolonged use of the drug, polyvitamins should be administered.

After taking activated charcoal, bowel movements may appear black-colored.

Women taking oral contraceptives are advised to use additional (i.e., barrier) contraceptive methods during treatment with activated charcoal.

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

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

There are no data indicating a negative effect of activated charcoal on pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Ability to influence reaction rate when driving or operating machinery.

Has no effect.

Method of Administration and Dosage.

Adults: the usual dose is 3–6 tablets 3–4 times daily.

In cases of poisoning and intoxications, administer 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 take 1–2 g of the drug 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 receive 5 g orally 3 times daily; children aged 7 to 14 years should receive 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 is 3–5 days; for chronic conditions associated with endogenous intoxications – 10–15 days.

The patient should consult a physician if disease symptoms do not resolve during treatment or if any adverse reactions occur.

Children.

The drug is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age.

Overdose.

Significant exceeding of the maximum single doses may lead to the development of adverse reactions (nausea, vomiting, constipation), which resolve after dose reduction or discontinuation of the drug.

Adverse reactions.

Possible manifestations of increased sensitivity, dyspeptic symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting), which resolve upon discontinuation of the drug and administration of symptomatic therapy.

With prolonged use, deficiency of vitamins, hormones, fats, and proteins may develop in the body, requiring appropriate medicinal or dietary correction.

If any adverse events occur, the patient must consult a physician.

Shelf life. 2 years.

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

Storage conditions.

In the original packaging, separate from substances and materials emitting vapors and gases, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Keep out of reach of children.

Packaging.

10 tablets in a blister pack; 10 tablets in a contour non-cellular pack.

Prescription status.

Over-the-counter (without prescription).

Manufacturer.

Public Joint-Stock Company "Scientific-Production Center "Borshchagiv Chemical-Pharmaceutical Plant".

Manufacturer's address and location of business activity.

17, Mir Street, Kyiv, 03134, Ukraine.