1. Make Sure Charcoal Is the Right Choice
Activated charcoal is a good antidote for a number of different poisons, but it can't be used for everything. Poisons that are inhaled or exposed to the skin can't be treated with charcoal, which works by bonding to the poison in the digestive system and passing it out of the body. Furthermore, activated charcoal should not be used when acids have been swallowed or if there is significant blockage within the intestinal tract. Neither should it be given if the doctor has administered another antidote, as it might interfere with that treatment. Finally, while people who are fructose intolerant can be given activated charcoal, they shouldn't take it with sorbitol, which is a sugar substitute used to move it through the system.
2. Check the Dosage
Activated charcoal can be taken in tablet form, as a liquid, or as a powder that is mixed in with water and swallowed as slurry. The dosage varies depending on the circumstances. Adults should take from 25 to 100 g of charcoal in the first dose. If more doses are required, they should take about 50 g more charcoal every 2 hours. For children under 12, reduce the amounts to 25 to 50 g for the first dose, with subsequent doses measuring .5 to 1 g of charcoal per pound of the child's body weight every 2 hours. Infants under 1 year can be given 10 to 25 g of activated charcoal or .25 to .5 g of charcoal per pound of body weight. Do not give multiple doses of activated charcoal to children under 1 year of age.
3. Take the Charcoal Sooner Rather Than Later
Activated charcoal works by bonding with the poison in the stomach or intestines, and rendering it inert before passing it harmlessly out of the body through waste matter. It cannot work effectively, however, once the poison has been absorbed into the body. Accordingly, the faster you administer it, the more likely it is to halt the poison. Always call a doctor or a poison control center before administering activated charcoal regardless.
4. Don't Take It With Other Medications
Don't mix activated charcoal with chocolate syrup or other sweeteners because they may keep it from acting as an effective antidote. You should also avoid taking any other medications for at least 2 hours after taking the activated charcoal. Sometimes, ipecac syrup is given to induce vomiting and get the poison out of the body. Don't take activated charcoal with it until the vomiting has stopped (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). Otherwise, the victim will vomit up the charcoal along with the poison, and you'll have wasted the dose.
