Acticarbine Activated charcoal

Indication

Acticarbine is used as an adsorbent in the management of acute poisoning and drug overdose, and to reduce intestinal gas and bloating.

Ingredients

• Activated charcoal (Carbo activatus) 250 mg per tablet or capsule

Direction

For poisoning (adults): 50–100 g (200–400 tablets) given as a single dose, ideally within 1 hour of ingestion — only in a medical setting. For flatulence (adults): 1–2 capsules/tablets three times daily after meals.

Side effects

• Black stools.
• Constipation.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Aspiration pneumonia (risk when used in unconscious patients).

Precautions

• Not effective for poisoning by corrosives
• acids
• alkalis
• alcohols
• iron
• or lithium.
• May adsorb and reduce efficacy of other medications taken concurrently
• take other drugs at least 1–2 hours apart.
• May cause black stools (harmless).
• Do not use for treatment of poisoning at home without contacting poison control.
• Keep out of reach of children.