Activated Charcoal Suspension

What is this medication?

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL (AK tuh vay tud CHAAR kowl) treats poisoning or overdose of some substances that are swallowed. It must be used shortly after ingestion. It works by absorbing the substance in the stomach before it enters the bloodstream.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actidose With Sorbitol, Actidose-Aqua, EZ Char, INSTA-CHAR, Kerr INSTA-CHAR

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Food or medication poisoning
• An unusual or allergic reaction to charcoal, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. It is usually given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you are taking this medication at home, take it as directed by your care team. Do not take this medication unless told to do so. Shake well before using. This medication works the best if used within 30 to 60 minutes of overdose or poisoning. If the dose is vomited, ask your care team what you should do.

Do not take any other medications or consume dairy products for at least 2 hours after taking this medication.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ipecac

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acarbose
• Aripiprazole
• Carbamazepine
• Dapsone
• Digoxin
• Estrogen and progestin hormones
• Olanzapine
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Phenytoin
• Pindolol
• Theophylline
• Ursodeoxycholic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Call emergency services right away. If help cannot be reached quickly, take this medication as directed on the label. Once taken, seek medical care right away.

This medication does not bind all toxins. Do not use this medication if turpentine, corrosives such as lye, or petroleum products such as gasoline, kerosene, or paint thinner have been swallowed.

Take with plenty of water and keep a balanced diet after the emergency. This will help to prevent dehydration and nutritional problems.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Dehydration—increased thirst, dry mouth, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, dark yellow or brown urine
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.