The drug is activated carbon. Activated carbon. Combination of charcoal tablets and drugs

Formula: Cn, chemical name Carbon
Pharmacological group: metabolites / detoxifying agents, including antidotes; adsorbents
Pharmachologic effect: adsorbent, detoxification, antidiarrheal.

Pharmacological properties

Activated carbon is characterized by high surface activity, which determines the ability to bind substances that lower surface energy (without changing their chemical nature). Sorbs gases, toxins, alkaloids, glycosides, heavy metal salts, salicylates, barbiturates and other compounds, reduces their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes excretion from the body with feces. It is active as a sorbent in hemoperfusion. Weakly adsorb acids and alkalis (including iron salts, cyanides, malathion, methanol, ethylene glycol). Does not irritate mucous membranes. When applied topically in a patch, it increases the rate of ulcer healing. For the development of the maximum effect, it is recommended to administer immediately after poisoning or during the first hours. When treating intoxication, it is necessary to create an excess of coal in the stomach (before washing it) and in the intestine (after washing the stomach). The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires administration in high doses, because the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by carbon and its activity decreases. A decrease in the concentration of coal in the medium promotes the desorption of the bound substance and its absorption (to prevent the resorption of the released substance, repeated gastric lavage and the appointment of coal are recommended). If the poisoning is caused by substances involved in enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), charcoal must be used for several days. It is especially effective as a sorbent for hemoperfusion in cases of acute poisoning with barbiturates, glutatimide, theophylline.

Indications

Dyspepsia; diseases accompanied by the processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines (including flatulence); increased acidity and hypersecretion of gastric juice; diarrhea; acute poisoning (including alkaloids, glycosides, heavy metal salts); diseases with toxic syndrome - foodborne diseases, dysentery, salmonellosis, burn disease in the stage of toxemia and septicotoxemia, hyperazotemia (chronic renal failure), hyperbilirubinemia (chronic and acute viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis); allergic diseases; bronchial asthma; atopic dermatitis; preparation for X-ray and ultrasound examinations (to reduce gas formation in the intestine).

Method of using activated carbon and doses

Take orally, in tablets or in the form of an aqueous suspension (the required amount of the drug is stirred in 0.5 glass of water), 1 hour before meals and other medicines. Adults, on average, 1.0–2.0 g 3-4 times a day, the maximum dose for adults up to 8 g. Children are prescribed an average of 0.05 g / kg of body weight 3 times a day, the maximum single dose up to 0.2 mg / kg body weight. The course of treatment for acute diseases is 3-5 days, for allergies and chronic diseases - up to 14 days. A second course - after 2 weeks on the recommendation of a doctor.
In acute poisoning - gastric lavage using a suspension of activated carbon, then inside 20-30 g. With flatulence and dyspepsia - inside 1-2 g 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 3–7 days.
The course of treatment for diseases accompanied by the processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines, increased secretion of gastric juice, lasts 1–2 weeks. Adults - 10 g 3 times a day in between meals, children under 7 years old - 5 g each, 7-14 years old - 7 g each.
If you missed your next medication, you can take activated charcoal as soon as you remember, but not earlier than an hour before a meal or taking another medication. The time of the next drug intake should be shifted by the same interval.

Contraindications and restrictions for use

Ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including exacerbation of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis), bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, simultaneous administration of antitoxic substances, the effect of which develops after absorption (methionine, etc.), hypersensitivity, constipation. Long-term use of activated charcoal disrupts the normal functioning of the stomach, which can lead to difficult and painful digestion.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

The drug is not toxic and is not absorbed into the blood. The contraindications are the same in the recommended doses.

Side effects of activated carbon

Dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhea, black stools; with prolonged use (more than 14 days), the absorption of calcium, fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones, nutrients may be impaired; with hemoperfusion through activated charcoal, the development of embolism, hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, and a decrease in blood pressure is possible.

Interaction of activated carbon with other substances

Activated carbon reduces the absorption and effectiveness of drugs taken orally at the same time; reduces the activity of intragastrically active substances (for example, ipecac).
It is recommended to store it in a dry place, away from substances that emit gases or vapors into the atmosphere. Storage in air (especially in a humid environment) reduces the sorption capacity.

Overdose

Data on a possible overdose of activated carbon have been reported.

Surely everyone has heard such a phrase as activated carbon. And almost everyone uses it for the formation of gases in the intestines or poisoning. And it is right. But today we will tell you what activated carbon really is and where else you can use it.

Activated carbon is carbon of plant or animal origin. It is produced either from certain types of wood, or from animal bones, coal and petroleum coke. The substance has many pores and this is its main advantage and increases its specific surface area. As a result, all harmful substances accumulate and are retained by the activated carbon until they are removed. Charcoal is used not only as a medicine, but also for filtering water or other liquids.

When coal is used

Our today's story is about coal as a medicine. It is used for various disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: diarrhea, flatulence, increased acidity of gastric juice. Reception of coal is very effective in case of poisoning with such food products as mushrooms, sausages and fish, in case of poisoning with strychnine, morphine, heavy metal salts, alcohol, and drugs.

Terms of use

Taking this substance, not everyone knows how to properly use activated carbon, the dosage should correspond to each case of illness or poisoning. Otherwise, the positive effect may not come. So, in what dosage to drink coal:

• in case of mild poisoning - 20-30 gm, diluting tablets or powder with water. After taking the pills, the stomach needs to be flushed and a laxative should be taken;
• in severe cases of poisoning, a mixture is prepared, consisting of 50% coal and 25% each magnesium oxide and thianine. 2 tablespoons of the finished mixture are diluted in a glass of warm water;
• with diarrhea and flatulence - drink 3 tablets 3 times a day with water;
• with increased acidity - 2 grams of activated carbon 3 times a day, diluting the tablets in water.

When taking pills, it should be borne in mind that activated charcoal reduces the therapeutic effect of drugs, therefore, a time interval must be observed between taking charcoal and other drugs.

Activated carbon for children

In the first-aid kit of every family, there is probably such a drug, but whether it is possible to give activated charcoal to children, not all parents probably know. Due to its unique properties (high absorption), activated carbon is widely used in pediatrics. And it is prescribed not only for diarrhea and flatulence, but also for:

• cirrhosis of the liver;
• salmonellosis;
• dysentery;
• various forms of hepatitis;
• atopic dermatitis;
• cholecystitis;
• intoxication after chemotherapy;
• metabolic disorders, etc.

It can be very difficult to give a pill to a child, and even more so, activated charcoal, therefore, this drug should be used only as directed by a doctor. There are some contraindications for which the use of coal is not recommended. This is gastric bleeding, gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer, individual intolerance.
Activated carbon is used, like any drug, strictly according to the instructions. And even when the doctor explained to you the method of application, before giving activated charcoal to children, the instructions will help you learn in detail everything about the medicine, dosage and methods of treatment.

You can give active charcoal to children from any age: up to a year - up to 2 tablets per day in the form of a suspension in water; up to 3 years old - 4 tablets a day; up to 6 years old - 6 tablets; after 6 - up to 12 tablets.

There are some features of the use of this drug. It should be remembered that you need to take it on an empty stomach, 1-2 hours before or after meals. Since, due to its high absorption capacity, useful substances that enter the stomach can be deactivated. The same thing happens with the simultaneous use of other drugs with coal.

You can take the drug for no more than 3-4 days, otherwise not only harmful, but also useful substances will be removed from the body. The feces turn black during treatment, you should not be afraid - this is normal.

It is very important to ensure that the activated carbon does not come into contact with other drugs or chemicals during storage. And we already understand why. It can absorb these substances into itself and, with subsequent use, cause irreparable harm. Pay attention to the dosage of the drug indicated on the package, it may be different from what you are used to.

Although activated charcoal is considered completely harmless, this medicine can harm the patient if taken uncontrollably. Like other drugs, it requires careful attention to itself and the consultation of a doctor.

Activated carbon

International non-proprietary name

Dosage form

Capsules 200.00 mg

Structure

One capsule contains

active substance- activated carbon 200 mg,

excipients (capsule shell): gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), black iron oxide (E 172).

Description

Size 1 hard gelatin capsules with black body and lid. The contents of the capsules are black or dark gray powder

Pharmacotherapeutic group

Intestinal adsorbents. Coal preparations. Activated carbon.

ATX code A07BA01

Pharmacological properties

Pharmacokinetics

Activated carbon is not absorbed by ingestion. The average transit time of activated carbon through the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal tract) is about 25 hours.

Activated carbon is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, therefore, there is no distribution period or any metabolism. It is displayed unchanged. As they pass through the intestine, the components bound by it do not undergo desorption and do not change the pH of the medium.

Pharmacodynamics

Activated carbon is characterized by high surface activity, which determines the ability to bind substances that lower surface energy (without changing their chemical nature). It sorbs gases, toxins, alkaloids, glycosides, heavy metal salts, salicylates, barbiturates, etc., reducing their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and promoting excretion from the body with feces. It is active as a sorbent in hemoperfusion. By actively absorbing the gas formed during indigestion, it prevents overstretching of the intestinal walls, thereby preventing and stopping pain. In infectious diseases such as acute dysentery, salmonellosis, viral hepatitis, typhoid fever, leptospirosis, hemorrhagic fevers, psittacosis absorbs pathogenic strains and their toxins. The drug reduces the level of toxins and eliminates the symptoms of intoxication with lead, alcoholic and medicinal exotoxicosis, burn and radiation sickness; chronic intoxications in hazardous work . Weakly adsorb acids and alkalis (including iron salts, cyanides, malathion, methanol, ethylene glycol).

Indications for use

As part of combination therapy for the following diseases:

Foodborne toxicoinfection

Dysentery, salmonellosis

Enterocolitis, cholecystopancreatitis

Diarrhea, flatulence, processes of decay, fermentation, hypersecretion of mucus, saline

Poisoning with chemical compounds and drugs (incl.

organophosphate and organochlorine compounds, psychotropic

drugs)

Poisoning with alkaloids, heavy metal salts

Burn disease in the stage of toxemia and septicotoxemia

Withdrawal alcohol syndrome

Preparation for X-ray examinations (to reduce gas formation).

Method of administration and dosage

Assign inside. The capsules should be taken with water.

Adults take 3-6 capsules, 3-4 times a day, 1-2 hours before or after food or medicines.

The maximum single dose is 8 capsules, the maximum daily dose is 24 capsules.

For children from 6 years of age, the drug is prescribed depending on body weight on average at the rate of 0.05 g / kg of body weight 3 times a day, the maximum single dose is up to 0.2 g / kg of body weight.

The duration of treatment for acute poisoning is 3-5 days. For chronic intoxications from 10 to 14 days.

With flatulence, 3-6 capsules of the drug are prescribed orally 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-7 days.

Side effects

With prolonged use (more than 14 days), impaired absorption of calcium, vitamins

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to activated carbon or any component

drug

Gastrointestinal obstruction and suspected intestinal

obstruction

Acute abdominal pain, ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal bleeding

Children under 6 years old

Drug interactions

Activated carbon due to adsorption on its surface reduces the effectiveness of all drugs taken orally simultaneously with it. The drug increases the rate of elimination of drugs with a long half-life (carbamazepine, phenobarbital and diphenylsulfone). Oral intake of activated charcoal increases the clearance of digoxin by 5 times.

Taking activated charcoal reduces the effectiveness of oral medicines intended to increase blood pressure and antirheumatic drugs.

The simultaneous intake of activated charcoal and oral contraceptives may cause a decrease in the effectiveness of the latter. In such cases, it is necessary to use additional methods of contraception.

special instructions

When taking the drug, the feces are stained in a dark color.

If diarrhea persists after three days of treatment, additional clinical and biochemical studies should be performed to identify the cause of the disease.

Activated charcoal should be taken at least 1-2 hours before or after taking other medicines.

Pregnancy and lactation

The use of activated charcoal is not contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

Features of the influence of the drug on the ability to drive a vehicle or potentially dangerous mechanisms

Does not affect

Overdose

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting and constipation.

Treatment: cancel the drug, prescribe laxatives.

Release form and packaging

10 capsules in a blister strip made of polyvinyl chloride film and lacquered aluminum foil.

It is the high doses of the drug that make the modern consumer doubt the advisability of its use for medicinal purposes. Doubts are also reinforced by doctors, suggesting other medicines that require lower dosages for admission, but are much more expensive. Does coal really lose out to them in terms of adsorbing abilities?

Features of the drug

Activated carbon is a porous hydrocarbon compound whose atomic hexagonal structures form irregularly displaced layers. For example, the structure of another hydrocarbon compound - graphite - implies parallel layers of atoms, which is why its adsorption capacity is not comparable to that of coal. Its discrepancies between the layers form pores of different sizes. Scientists distinguish:

• micropores;
• mesopores;
• macropores.

It is the variety of sizes of porous holes that provides universal adsorption - coal is able to accumulate particles up to nanometers in size, as well as macromolecules of organic compounds. In addition, the branching of the holes and high surface activity provide a huge area of \u200b\u200bcontact with gaseous and liquid media, as a result, the latter are cleaned of almost any impurities.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the characteristics of the indifference of coal:

• inert - the substance does not enter into reactions with molecules of organic or chemical nature;
• not selective to state - equally actively interacts with both liquids and gases;
• does not interact further - binds substances without transforming them, preventing the appearance of more toxic forms;
• safe for fabrics - does not have irritating properties, therefore it does not damage mucous membranes.

The listed properties of the drug make it ideal for detoxification of the human body.

Classic charcoal tablets can be used to treat adults and children from three years of age.

Raw material activation

The adsorptive qualities of any substance depend on the area of \u200b\u200bcontact of its molecules with the purified medium. Charcoal has many internal passages, which are large in size, and the total contact area is limited by closed external pores and an insufficient number of micropores.

To increase the adsorption capacity, ordinary charcoal is activated - treated with water vapor at the highest temperature conditions, reaching 1000 ° C, provided that there is no oxygen at all. Thanks to this processing, special changes take place with the raw materials:

• pores appear -surface openings and the number of macroholes increases, and a huge amount of micropores appears;
• the total area is increasing - the adsorption surface increases to 1000-2000 m² per 1 g of the obtained substance.

The most active adsorption is possessed by activated carbon powder, therefore it is recommended to grind the tablets before ingestion. The rate of absorption of harmful substances by a whole tablet is significantly lower, since it takes time for its disintegration in a liquid medium.

Indications

The drug is capable of absorbing a huge amount of substances:

• toxins of endogenous origin;
• gaseous products of decay and fermentation processes;
• alkaloid compounds;
• any types of glycosides;
• heavy metals in the form of salts;
• salicylic acid salts;
• barbiturates;
• organic compounds.

It acts only in the intestines, is not absorbed into the blood, and is excreted unchanged by the body during bowel movements for 24-48 hours after ingestion.

In this regard, activated carbon is taken to eliminate or alleviate the symptoms of a number of pathological conditions.

• Gastritis. Especially if the irritation of the mucous membrane is provoked by an increased secretion of hydrochloric acid.
• Flatulence. Often, flatulence manifests itself with overeating, improper diet, disorders of intestinal microflora, as well as enzymatic insufficiency of the digestive processes. Taking the drug relieves the condition as it enters the intestines - the less food is eaten before taking it, the faster the increased gas formation will be eliminated.
• Diarrhea. The etiology in this case does not matter, since the drug will be appropriate both in case of poisoning and with an increased water content in the intestine, provoked by the intake of laxatives.
• Food toxicoinfections.This includes dysentery, salmonellosis.
• Poisoning with chemicals.For example, heavy metal salts, alcohol, nitrogen-containing compounds. It is important to know that the concentration of toxic substances in the blood plasma decreases only after several doses of high doses of coal. And even if the remedy is taken for a hangover, a single dose will not be enough.
• Burns. Severe burns, with a large area of \u200b\u200bdamage, require the intake of adsorbents to eliminate toxemia and septicotoxemia - poisoning with toxins of endogenous origin.
• Hepatitis. Hepatitis of viral, medicinal, alcoholic origin, as well as cirrhosis of the liver, are often accompanied by hyperbilirubinemia.
• Allergy. The tool is used to bind and remove possible provocateurs of an allergic reaction, if there is a suspicion that allergens come with food. It is used for the complex therapy of atopic dermatitis, urticaria of an unexplained cause, bronchial asthma.

Also, coal is taken before the survey. The drug is used in advance to eliminate the increased gas production in the intestine, which interferes with obtaining adequate results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance and X-ray studies.

Despite the general indication of "dyspeptic disorders", coal intake for constipation is inappropriate.

Application rules

Activated carbon is considered one of the safest drugs in the entire pharmaceutical market. Naturally, its correct application is necessary to confirm this characteristic.

• During pregnancy. Reception is not contraindicated during periods of childbearing and lactation, but requires prior agreement with the doctor.
• In childhood. Due to the fine dispersion of activated carbon when it is taken by children, there is a risk of asphyxiation. Therefore, the child needs to be given a powder dissolved in a small amount of water.
• Contraindications. The drug should not be taken orally if the patient is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis or intestinal atony.
• Adverse reactions.Charcoal turns stool black. It can also provoke constipation, therefore, during therapy, it is necessary to take care of an optimal drinking regime and a balanced diet.

Uncontrolled and improper use of the drug can lead to health problems.

• Small doses. If the product is taken in insufficient doses over a large meal, there is a risk of desorption of toxins. They emerge from the coal pores and again penetrate the mucous membranes. That is why, in case of acute poisoning, it is recommended to first wash the stomach with coal, after which its internal use to create an effective concentration inside the intestine.
• Long-term reception.Often accompanies different methods for losing weight. It is important to understand that coal absorbs not only harmful substances, but also useful, necessary ones. In addition to metal salts and toxins of bacterial origin, the substance adsorbs vitamins, minerals, amino acids, which is fraught with the development of vitamin deficiency, disorders of the immune system, and anemia.
• Irrational reception.Any dose of coal is taken two hours before or two hours after eating, taking medications, vitamin and mineral complexes. If you ignore this recommendation, the effectiveness of other drugs decreases, and the absorbed food loses a large amount of useful substances.

Given the fact that activated carbon is excreted by the body unchanged, the risk of overdose is excluded.

Dosage and method of taking the drug

How many grams are in one tablet and is there a lethal dose? The dosage depends on the purpose of taking the drug, as well as the age of the patient.

Children

On average, the dose of coal for a child is usually calculated from the norm - 0.05 g per 1 kg of body weight. That is, one tablet is designed for 5 kg of the child's weight. The medicine should be taken with a glass of clean water (at least).

• Children from three to seven years old. The usual dose (for flatulence, allergies, gastritis) is two to four tablets three or four times a day. For diarrhea, the dose can be increased to five tablets four times a day. In case of acute poisoning, children from three to seven years old are supposed to take 15 g of the drug per day - three times 5 g, that is, 20 tablets of 250 mg.
• Children from seven to 14 years old.The standard dose is four tablets four times a day. For diarrhea - five to six tablets four times a day. In case of poisoning - 7 g of powder three times a day.

Adults

The most common misconception is that it is enough for an adult to take one charcoal tablet per 10 kg of body weight.

• The usual dose. Six tablets four times a day. It is used for allergies, to eliminate flatulence, in preparation for research.
• Increased dose. It is prescribed for gastritis and high acidity. It is 2 g of activated carbon for four times a day. That is, eight tablets, four times - a total of 32 tablets.
• Maximum dose... In case of poisoning, they drink 20-30 g of the drug (from 80 to 120 tablets). Crushed into powder, diluted with a glass of water and taken orally or used for gastric lavage. After its complete cleansing, the same dose of the drug should be taken again.

The minimum duration of treatment for an adult is three days, the maximum is 15 days.

Release forms

The most affordable in terms of price is ordinary activated carbon in tablet form, which contains 250 mg of pure active ingredient, as well as auxiliary components. The inconvenience of taking pills is due to the need to grind them first. The suspension can be difficult to drink, which is why pharmaceutical manufacturers have created encapsulated forms.

• Sorbex. One capsule of the drug contains 250 mg of activated carbon in granular form. Due to this, not only the area of \u200b\u200bthe adsorbing surface increases, but also the activity of the drug is prolonged. This is due to the additional breakdown of granules within the body. The standard adult dosage is two to three capsules at a time. The drug exhibits more active detoxifying properties in comparison with charcoal tablets.
• Extrasorb. Activated carbon in capsules, available in various dosages: 110 mg, 220 mg, 250 mg per capsule.
• Ultra-Adsorb.Capsulated form with a dosage of 200 mg. The standard adult dose is two to three capsules per dose.
• "Karbopect". The dose of activated carbon in one capsule is 110 mg, therefore, four to eight capsules for an adult are recommended for a single dose. The maximum single dose is 32 capsules of the drug.
• "Carbolong". It is produced in the form of activated carbon powder, packaged in packages of 5 g. The most convenient dosage form for eliminating acute intoxication. The recommended dose for an adult is one to two packets per reception three times a day. Children from seven years old can take one packet three times a day. The powder should be diluted in half a glass of water.

Encapsulated forms of activated carbon are marketed as fast acting. This is due to the increased rate of absorption of toxins after the capsule enters the body and dissolves its gelatinous shell.

Additional features of the sorbent

In addition to medical purposes, the drug is also used for household purposes.

• To eliminate unpleasant odors. Activated carbon will help get rid of musty, damp and moldy odors in the room, refrigerator, and near trash cans. To do this, fill a flat container with coal powder and install it in the required place. It is recommended to replace the contents of the dishes every three days until the odors are completely eliminated, or to dry the used charcoal in the oven at a temperature of 200 ° C.
• To absorb moisture. With insufficient ventilation in the room, moisture quickly accumulates, causing the development of mold. It is recommended to place containers with coal in damp rooms. It is advisable to put them in the corners, under window sills, near the dryer with linen, if you have to dry it in the house.
• For cleaning shoes. There are special insoles with an activated carbon layer. They provide good ventilation of the foot, prevent sweating and unpleasant odor. Also, to eliminate an unpleasant odor or prevent its appearance, you can put a linen bag filled with coal in your shoes overnight. The same manipulation will help you dry a wet boot faster.

Activated carbon is also actively used for beauty. It is used for weight loss, taking three times a day before meals. Compliance with the recommendations for taking on an empty stomach is mandatory, since the drug adsorbs vitamins and nutrients from food. Also, with the help of charcoal, homemade masks for the face and scalp are made to eliminate their increased oily content.

Using activated charcoal for the treatment of disorders or other purposes, do not forget that it is a drug and, despite its safety, requires strict adherence to the recommendations of the instructions. Before using the product in children, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

A group of sorbent preparations is used when it is necessary to quickly remove toxic substances and their decay products, food allergens, pathogenic microorganisms, and accumulated toxins from the intestine. Charcoal tablets are among the most affordable and versatile products available. Consumers need to know how to take activated charcoal and follow the instructions exactly, because the medicine has its own characteristics and contraindications.

The transformation in the intestine into a porous black powder increases the area of \u200b\u200bcontact with the contents. It is estimated that one gram of coal mass is able to bind 300 mg of a hypnotic drug based on barbiturates, 700-800 mg of drugs of the morphine group, 300-400 ml of alcohol residues. Therefore, the remedy is actively recommended for emergency care in case of poisoning. Timely reduction of the concentration of harmful substances in the intestines allows the body to prevent the effects on the brain, to protect the liver and other organs.

How to take activated charcoal correctly?

The properties of activated carbon appear only when it is used correctly. The drug is able to adsorb on the surface:

• gaseous substances;
• natural and synthetic alkaloids;
• plant and bacterial toxins;
• poisons (hydrocyanic acid);
• heavy metal salts;
• hypnotic drugs, cardiac glycosides, sulfonamides;
• some drugs;
• phenols.

Less blocking effect is observed in relation to acids, alkalis.

Important! The drug does not pass through the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. It is transported along with the contents of the intestine to the anus, does not affect peristalsis. The stool turns black.

Indications and contraindications for taking sorbent

Some people mistakenly call activated charcoal an "antidote". By its nature of action, it does not show the opposite qualities, therefore it cannot serve as an antidote. The functions are reduced to cleansing the body in case of a dysfunctional state in the digestive system, the impossibility of an independent fight against toxic substances.

Coal as a medicine is indicated in complex treatment:

• food poisoning (milk, meat, mushrooms, stale food);
• when using poisonous alkaloids (morphine, strychnine, nicotine, high doses of coffee);
• elimination of symptoms and consequences of intestinal infections (salmonellosis, pathogenic E. coli, dysentery, typhoid fever, cholera), helminthic invasion;
• digestive disorders caused by a malfunction of the liver, biliary tract, pancreas (diarrhea, bloating);
• skin allergic reactions, dermatitis;
• signs of overdose and negative properties of drugs taken by mouth;
• complications of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Sorbent is needed in preparation for diagnostic X-ray, ultrasound and colonoscopic studies of the digestive tract to remove gases.

Activated carbon is contraindicated in patients with the following diseases:

• gastritis and peptic ulcer;
• bowel diseases with damage to the mucous membrane (colitis, Crohn's disease, gastroenteritis);
• chronic atonic constipation;
• bleeding from the stomach and intestines.

Important! Patients who are forced to constantly take medications, vitamin and mineral complexes should take into account that when using coal, their absorption will be delayed or completely stopped. Powder particles adsorb medicines on their surface as foreign substances and prevent them from entering the bloodstream.

Absorbance decreases with increasing dosage of coal.

Rules and schemes for taking activated carbon

How you should drink activated carbon in a particular case, the doctor will tell you. We will provide clarifications and additions to the instructions, caused by vital needs and situations. The patterns of use have been developed and confirmed by practice.

In case of food poisoning, the best effect will occur if the tablets are used within the first 12 hours after consuming a suspicious product. During this period, patients usually exhibit nausea, vomiting, frequent diarrhea, stomach ache, fever, and increased weakness. In the absence of vomiting, it is more convenient to immediately use 3-4 tablets for an adult, chew and swallow them, drink at least a glass of water.

When vomiting begins, pills cannot be taken. It is necessary to crush or grind them to a powder state, dilute in a liter of boiled water and apply the suspension to wash the stomach. The remedy will take effect in 20 minutes. Then, according to the effectiveness, you can calculate the subsequent dosage for the day.

In case of a hangover - before the start of the feast, a person inclined to forget about the norms of alcohol and their own capabilities is recommended to drink 6-7 tablets of coal (with a weight of 70 kg) for a few hours in order to prevent it. Before you sit down at the table, you must additionally take 2 more tablets.

If a hangover syndrome has developed in the morning, then on an empty stomach it is better to drink a suspension of 6-8 tablets in warm water. The effect will come faster.

While waiting for the result, you need to take into account the amount of heavy meat and fatty foods eaten the day before. It delays the elimination of toxins and makes it difficult for the liver to break down ethanol. Therefore, in the absence of diarrhea, it is recommended to do a cleansing enema.

Attention! The use of other drugs (for headaches, hepatoprotectors) simultaneously with activated charcoal to eliminate hangover symptoms will significantly reduce their effect.

For the same reason, it makes no sense to add other sorbents to any treatment regimen (Polysorb, Enterosgel). If a person needs to take a drug, then the interval with the use of activated carbon should be at least two hours.

For the treatment of food and drug allergies, coal is prescribed 2-4 tablets three times a day before meals for a course of 2 weeks.

The drug does not work in case of an allergic reaction and an overdose of a drug administered intramuscularly or intravenously.

In cases of diarrhea, the drug is prescribed depending on the cause, severity of the condition, age and weight of the patient. Adults and children over 10 years old can use up to 32 tablets per day, evenly distributing them every 2 hours. Younger children are allowed to take 1 tablet per 15 kg of weight, observing breaks for daytime and nighttime sleep.

There is information on the help of activated carbon in weight loss. Endocrinologists consider it ineffective. We will provide diagrams for curious readers. There are 3 options for "losing weight with coal":

• 1 - drink a single dosage for a month before lunch or dinner (for example, a person weighing 90 kg needs to drink 9 tablets at once);
• 2 - every day for a whole month in the morning, before sitting down to eat, drink 2 tablets, drink a glass of water;
• 3 - the daily dosage of 10 tablets is divided into 3 doses one hour before meals.

Followers of the technique argue the role of activated carbon by complicity in improving digestion, disturbed by obesity.

Calculation of activated carbon per kg of weight

For the correct calculation of the drug, you should know how much the patient weighs (in kilograms), the age of the child, and whether a woman planning to take charcoal tablets is pregnant.

The medicine is odorless and tasteless, therefore, if necessary, allows maximum dosage.

Calculated by weight for patients over ten years of age follows the rule - 1 tablet (250 mg) per 10 kg. For body weight expressed as an intermediate number (eg 73 kg), 1 tablet is added.

For children, the scheme looks different: the daily dosage is calculated at 250 mg for every 15 kg of weight. Half a pill is taken for additional kilograms.

Activated carbon is not contraindicated in pregnant women. But use requires caution. The mass of the fetus, amniotic fluid is excluded from the total weight. It is necessary from the second trimester and throughout the prenatal period to provide for the likelihood of increased constipation due to excess dosage.

Maximum daily dose

The maximum number of tablets for an adult is 32, which is equal to the weight of 8 g with a weight of one tablet of 0.25 g. The daily dose should be divided into 3-4 doses.

A child under two years old cannot swallow pills. A suspension of powder is prepared for him (2 tablets are ground for the whole day). At three years, 3 tablets are allowed, at 6 years the dosage is increased to six. Lemon acidified water is suitable for drinking. If you do not take in enough water, then there is a threat of dehydration, since coal, along with slag, removes liquid.

In case of poisoning, adults are prescribed up to 100 tablets per day, deliberately exceeding the maximum dosage.

Maximum number of tablets you can drink at a time

The average dosage of the activated angle includes 4-8 g / day, in terms of the number of tablets, this is 16-32. The entire daily dose is allowed to be taken once. In case of poisoning, the dosage is increased by 3-4 times.

The doctor prescribes the required dosage of activated carbon. You can drink it yourself 1-2 times before the doctor's examination.

Food addiction: before or after meals?

Coal is taken in the morning on an empty stomach, in the evening on an empty stomach. It is recommended to drink one and a half hours to an hour before meals or 40-60 minutes after. Drink plenty of fluids to the food.

How long can activated charcoal be consumed without interruption?

It makes no sense to consume coal for a long time, since it is not a therapeutic, but a symptomatic drug. Four days are enough to make a diagnosis and prescribe a full-fledged therapy.

Supporters of the method of losing weight with charcoal note the need for additional use of enemas and laxatives.

What is the threat of uncontrolled use of activated carbon? The doctor answers

Doctors have to deal with the consequences of overdose, improper use, and rarely with allergic manifestations.

Passion for weight loss advertising brings patients to persistent atonic constipation, partial intestinal obstruction. Doctors are categorically against this direction. Some people are sure of complete cleansing of the body with charcoal, take it during and after ARVI, flu. In this case, there is no "purification". The human condition in the recovery period requires vitamins, immunomodulators. And coal retains in the intestines and does not allow the absorption of useful drugs and substances from food.

There are many symptomatic remedies for relieving bloating, charcoal tablets are outdated and inconvenient to use. Their use should be recommended as first aid for poisoning. The advantage is considered to be a long period, suitable simple conditions for storage, inclusion in a home first-aid kit.

If activated carbon is required, the optimum dosage is selected. It is not suitable for everyone because of the large number of pills. The drug is suitable for emergency treatment of poisoning. With unclear vomiting, diarrhea, a better solution is to consult a doctor and find out the cause. Nobody has been able to cure the disease with coal yet. Fat people need serious dietary restrictions and physical activity, and not the pursuit of advertising.

Bibliography

1. Cartel N.T. Possibilities of therapeutic action of medical sorbents based on activated carbons. Efferent therapy 1995 vol. 1 No. 4 pp. 11–18.
2. Rachkovskaya L.N. Mineral carbon sorbents for medicine. Novosibirsk 1996
3. Mashkovsky M.D. Medicines. A guide for doctors. M. Nov. Wave 2013
4. Kryzhanovsky S.A. Modern medicines. More than 10,000 items M. Ripol-Classic 2009
5. Giordano K. Sorbents and their clinical use. Kiev: High School 1989
6. Martynov A.K. Structural and functional organization, implementation of the medicinal properties of enterosorbents. Efferent therapy. 2006, No. 2, pp. 11–17.