Activated carbon or activated charcoal (activated charcoal) issubstance which can be used to treat poisoning or digestive disorders, such as flatulence or diarrhea.
Activated carbon works by preventing the absorption of toxins, while facilitating the process of removing waste from the digestive tract. Activated carbon can also be used to relieve itching due to dialysis treatment or cholestasis during pregnancy.
Although it can be used to treat poisoning, activated carbon is not effective in treating poisoning caused by cyanide, lithium, alcohol, or iron.
Activated carbon trademark:Becarbon, Diapet NR, JSH Capsules, Norit
What is Activated Carbon
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Drugs to overcome poisoning / antidiarrhea |
| Benefit | Overcome poisoning and indigestion |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 1 year and over |
| Activated carbon for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. Activated carbon is not yet known to be absorbed into breast milk or not. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Drug form | Capsules and Tablets |
Warning Before Consuming Activated Carbon
Although sold freely, activated carbon should not be consumed carelessly. The following are things you need to pay attention to before consuming activated carbon:
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to activated carbon.
- Do not give activated carbon to children less than 1 year of age.
- Consult first regarding the use of activated carbon if you are undergoing treatment with drugs containing sorbitol.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal obstruction, seizures, gastrointestinal bleeding, or lactose intolerance.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including supplements or herbal products.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an overdose or an allergic reaction to the drug after taking activated carbon.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Activated Carbon
The dose of activated carbon is determined based on the age, condition of the patient, and the response of the patient's body to the drug. The following is the division of activated carbon dosage based on its intended use:
Purpose: Overcoming poisoning
- Mature: 50–100 grams, can be taken as soon as possible after experiencing poisoning. An alternative dose is 25–50 grams, every 4–6 hours per day.
- Children aged 1–12 years: 25–50 grams per day.
Purpose:Overcoming bloating
- Mature: 200 mg per day.
How to Consume Activated Carbon Correctly
Consumption of activated carbon as recommended by the doctor and don't forget to read the information on the drug packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose, and do not use the drug more than the recommended timeframe.
Take activated carbon tablets or capsules with a glass of water to swallow activated carbon tablets or capsules.
If you are taking other medicines, space them 2 hours before or after taking activated carbon. Taking activated carbon with other drugs at the same time can reduce the body's ability to absorb other drugs.
Avoid mixing activated carbon with chocolate syrup or ice cream, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the drug.
Store activated carbon at room temperature, and avoid direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interaction of Activated Carbon with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that can occur if activated carbon is used with other drugs, including:
- Decreased effectiveness of methionine, mycophenolate mofetil, or drugs containing ipecac
- Decreased absorption and effect of activated carbon when taken with milk or products containing milk, marmalade or sherbet
Activated Carbon Side Effects and Hazards
Activated carbon has the potential to cause a number of side effects, including:
- Throw up
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Black stool
- Swollen belly
- Colon blockage
- Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Electrolyte disturbances, including low levels of calcium (hypokalemia) or low levels of potassium (hypokalemia)
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Do an examination to the doctor if the above complaints do not subside or even get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience drug allergy symptoms which can be characterized by symptoms such as an itchy skin rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, eyes, or lips.