COMPLICATIONS CONTROVERSIES OF DECONTAMINATION: ACTIVATED CHARCOAL - TO USE OR NOT TO USE?

摘要

Activated charcoal (AC) has been used for over 100 years for the treatment of toxic ingestions, and continues to be the most common form of gastrointestinal decontamination for the poisoned patient. Activated charcoal works by adsorbing poison in thegastrointestinal tract (GIT) and decreasing the extent of systemic absorption of the poison. In order for AC to work, it must physically come into contact with the poison. To maximize AC absorption of the toxicant, the administration of AC should be implemented as soon as possible, as delayed adniinistration reduces its effectiveness.