Patient factors such as temperature, rate of gastric motility, and other gastric contents can affect adsorption. When considering administration of AC, an important question is whether the toxin ingested will adsorb to it. If you are stocking a combination AC/sorbitol product, it is important to also stock AC with no additives. Cathartics are not recommended in young patients, as well as those with dehydration, severe vomiting/diarrhea, or pre-existing renal disease. Sorbitol, an osmotic saccharide cathartic, is used most commonly. Suspension formulations are available that combine AC with a cathartic, which quickens gastrointestinal transit time, decreasing time for systemic absorption. Human studies comparing the suspension with tablets or capsules of AC have shown the suspension to be significantly more effective.

Due to its dark color, it is easily visible in the stool.ĪC can be obtained in various forms, including capsules, gel, granules, powder, suspension, or tablets. There is no gastrointestinal absorption of AC, thus all AC administered is excreted in the feces. Adsorption of a toxin to AC is a reversible process (desorption), but desorption is a slower process and the clinical significance is unclear. Studies show that it takes 30 minutes from AC administration to reach equilibrium of toxin adsorbed to AC. When a toxin in the GI tract adsorbs to AC, it is no longer available for systemic absorption and is excreted in the feces along with AC. As surface area increases, the number of adsorbate binding sites increases. It has an internal pore structure, creating a large surface area (commercial preparations usually 1000-2000 m 2/g). While use in human medicine is decreasing, due to more advanced treatments being available, veterinarians continue to use AC regularly, as these other options are often not available, or cost prohibitive.ĪC is an adsorbent: a substance/surface to which other molecules (adsorbates) can adhere when they come in contact. Activated charcoal (AC) is regularly used in toxin management as a gastrointestinal decontamination measure. Toxin exposure is a common reason for animals to present to a veterinarian.

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