Position paper: single-dose activated charcoal
Chyka PA, Seger D, Krenzelok EP, Vale JA
Published in Clinical Toxicology
Methodology
Joint position paper of the American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and the European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists, critically reviewing volunteer and clinical studies of single-dose activated charcoal.
Key Findings
Volunteer studies show effectiveness declines sharply with time since ingestion; at least 50 g of activated charcoal given within 60 minutes reduced absorption substantially, but benefit at later time points is small and inconsistent. No convincing evidence that it improves clinical outcome, and aspiration is a real risk.
Conclusions
Single-dose activated charcoal should not be used routinely; it may be considered within one hour of ingesting a potentially toxic amount of a charcoal-adsorbable poison.
Limitations
Volunteer studies use subtoxic doses and healthy participants; clinical outcome trials are few and underpowered; consensus rather than pooled meta-analysis.
Supplements Studied
At least 50 g of activated charcoal given within 60 minutes substantially reduced absorption, but there is no convincing evidence that it improves clinical outcome.
Study Details
Access Study
Disclosures
Funding
American Academy of Clinical Toxicology and EAPCCT; no commercial funding.
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.