In the United States, call 911 for emergency personnel, or call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control. Call 911 before calling Poison Control. Wait for instructions from emergency services or poison control. They may not advise you to use activated charcoal. Follow any instructions you receive exactly. If they tell you to use ipecac syrup or to bring the person into the ER, do not give the person activated charcoal. Instead, follow their advice.
Do not use ipecac if the person has alcohol poisoning or has passed out, as the vomit can be breathed into the lungs.
Adults will need between 25 to 100 grams of activated charcoal. Children between 1 and 12 years old will require between 25 to 50 grams of activated charcoal. Do not give it to children under 1. Your doctor or emergency services may recommend ipecac syrup instead.
Make sure the person sitting upright and is able to drink the mixture. Do not give activated charcoal to someone who is passed out. You may need to help the person raise their head up if they are unable to sit upright.
In the United States, call 911 for emergency personnel, or call 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Control. Contact your doctor, poison control center or other emergency services before administering activated charcoal. You will need to learn if activated charcoal is appropriate for your medical emergency. Emergency services may be able to tell you how much activated charcoal you should administer. In some cases, they may not recommend it at all. Do not administer activated charcoal without the instruction of a medical professional. If you are going somewhere isolated without medical assistance, talk to your doctor beforehand about using activated charcoal.
Corrosive agents such as toilet bowl cleaners, paint removers and drain cleaners. Powerful acids like car battery fluid, metal cleaners and rust removers. Iron Boric acid Lithium Gasoline or kerosene Alcohol
Liquids will often be premixed and ready to administer. Many liquid forms of activated charcoal will be suspensions, requiring you to shake them thoroughly before giving them to someone. Tablets can be a quick and easy way to administer pre-measured doses activated charcoal. Powders will need to be carefully measured before mixing with water.
Tell emergency services about any allergies. Tell your doctor or emergency services about any medications you are taking. Make any preexisting medical conditions known before administering activated charcoal. Do not give activated charcoal to anyone who is unconscious or having trouble focusing. [10] X Research source You should not administer activated charcoal to children without direct supervision from emergency services.
Avoid eating for 8 hours to help the charcoal move through your system. Keep in mind that charcoal might make you vomit. Chocolate syrup and ice cream may prevent activated charcoal from functioning properly. Wait at least 2 hours after taking activated charcoal before taking any medications.
It is not very common for pain or swelling in the stomach to occur. Diarrhea is a common side effect of activated charcoal. Dark stool is normal after taking activated charcoal. Constipation and vomiting may occur, but these side effects are rare.
Follow any instructions that you are given when speaking to emergency services. Try to remain calm and answer any questions as accurately as you can. You may receive other basic first aid instructions from emergency services. Stay with the affected person until help arrives.
If your dog is vomiting or having trouble breathing, do not give them any activated charcoal. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you more about which symptoms to look out for.
Corrosive or caustic agents. Things with high salt content like playdough, table salt or paint balls. Ethanol, xylitol or heavy metals.
Many doses of activated charcoal come pre-measured. For every 5 g/kg of body weight, you should give your dog one dose. Your veterinarian will be able to help you
