Accidental poisoning can occur from exposure to toxic substances or an overdose or buildup of otherwise non-toxic chemicals or compounds. There are different methods and protocols followed by medical professionals to reduce the toxicity of an accidental poisoning. The chosen detoxification method is dependent upon the route of poisoning which can occur via contact with the skin, eyes, or airways, injection into the muscle or bloodstream, or ingestion. One of the common treatments for gastrointestinal poisoning is the use of activated charcoal to assist in the absorption of poisons.
HIstory
The use of activated charcoal as a medicinal agent can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who may have used charcoal to reduce the odor associated with rotting wounds and flatulence, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. By the early 20th century, charcoal biscuits were commonly administered for stomach ailments including diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers, indigestion and flatulence. In modern times, charcoal is heavily utilized by the medical community for poisoning antidotes, filtration systems and wound dressings.
Function
Activated charcoal, also called activated carbon, is an extremely porous substance with a very large surface area. These physical properties allow it to bind to many types of chemicals or substances, thus stopping harmful chemical reactions. There are limits to its binding capabilities, however. Inorganic compounds, alcohols, iodine and ammonia are examples of chemicals that do not bind well with activated charcoal.
Types
Activated charcoal is produced from carbon-rich resources including coconuts, wood, coal and soft-coal lignite. Raw charcoal is activated by subjecting the material to extreme conditions including oxidizing agents and high temperatures. This process creates the internal porous structure of the charcoal particle thereby creating a large surface area in proportion to its actual size. Activated charcoal can purchased as a powder, in granules, or in specifically defined shapes when mixed with a binding agent. Most pharmaceutical applications use a powder activated carbon that is usually mixed as a water or saline slurry.
Benefits
Administration of activated charcoal following acute poisoning is now considered the primary response in most modern emergency rooms. Activated charcoal is typically given with a laxative to hasten the evacuation of the poison through the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal has also been used to reduce blood lipid levels in people who were uremic or diabetic. Additionally, activated charcoal is used to relieve the discomfort caused by bloating, abdominal gas and flatulence.
Considerations
Not all cases of poisoning by ingestion will be treated with activated charcoal. According to Drugs.com, the acronym PHAILS --- petroleum, hydrocarbons, alcohols and alkali, iron, lithium, solvents --- is a guideline for the types of substances that activated charcoal will not be effective at removing from the gastrointestinal system. Patients who have had any recent internal openings, such as from a surgery or an ulcer, may develop complications with charcoal treatment. Adverse reactions to charcoal include vomiting or gastrointestinal tract obstruction.
