ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
· Adult dosing is 50-100g initially followed by 25-50g every 4 hours.
· This product needs to be stored in a closed container in order to avoid the absorption of gases from the air.
· Side effects include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, belly pain, and upset stomach.
· Fecal discolouration can also occur, and this is considered normal.
· Activated charcoal can inhibit GI absorption.
· Capsules should be swallowed whole and taken after meals with a full glass of water.
· If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case it should be skipped and a regular schedule resumed.3
References
1. Fardy J, Sullivan S. Gastrointestinal gas. CMAJ 1988; 139: 1137-1141.
2. Suarez FL, Furne J, Springfield J, Levitt MD. Failure of activated charcoal to reduce the release of gases produced by the colonic flora. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94(1): 208-212.
3. Lexi-Comp. Activated Charcoal. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6579#f_adverse-reactions. Accessed 4 July 2012.
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:
· Adult dosing is 50-100g initially followed by 25-50g every 4 hours.
· This product needs to be stored in a closed container in order to avoid the absorption of gases from the air.
· Side effects include vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, belly pain, and upset stomach.
· Fecal discolouration can also occur, and this is considered normal.
· Activated charcoal can inhibit GI absorption.
· Capsules should be swallowed whole and taken after meals with a full glass of water.
· If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case it should be skipped and a regular schedule resumed.3
References
1. Fardy J, Sullivan S. Gastrointestinal gas. CMAJ 1988; 139: 1137-1141.
2. Suarez FL, Furne J, Springfield J, Levitt MD. Failure of activated charcoal to reduce the release of gases produced by the colonic flora. Am J Gastroenterol 1999; 94(1): 208-212.
3. Lexi-Comp. Activated Charcoal. http://online.lexi.com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/lco/action/doc/retrieve/docid/patch_f/6579#f_adverse-reactions. Accessed 4 July 2012.
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