Activated Charcoal
Also known as: Toxiban, D-Tox-Besc, UAA Gel, CharcoAid, Actidose, Actidose-Aqua, Charcodote, Liqui-Char
> **IMPORTANT**: This agent should generally be used under professional veterinary supervision. * If used on an outpatient basis, patients must be observed for at least 4 hours after administration for signs associated with high blood sodium (weakness, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions). If these occur, seek immediate veterinary care. * Expect your pet's stool to be black for a few days. * **Warning**: Charcoal powder is extremely messy and can easily and permanently stain fabrics, carpets, and clothing.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Plant intoxications
- Plant intoxications
- Gastrointestinal absorbent
- Acute poisoning
- Acute poisoning
- Acute poisoning
- After toxin ingestion
- Gastrointestinal absorbent
- Acute poisoning
- Acute poisoning
- Acute poisoning
- After toxin ingestion
- Plant intoxications
- Toxicity
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Emesis (especially with rapid administration)
- Aspiration pneumonia (if aspirated)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Black feces
- Hypernatremia (especially in small dogs and cats)
- Loose stools and vomiting (associated with sorbitol-containing products)
Cautions & contraindications
- Ingestion of mineral acids or caustic alkalis (ineffective and may obscure endoscopic evaluation)
- Patients lacking a gag reflex or actively vomiting (unless airway is protected via intubation)
- GI obstruction or perforation
- > **WARNING**: Extreme caution must be used to prevent aspiration, which can lead to severe, potentially fatal aspiration pneumonia. In symptomatic animals, administer via an orogastric tube with a cuffed endotracheal tube in place. * **Hypernatremia Risk**: Small dogs and cats are at risk for hypernatremia due to osmotic fluid shifts into the GI tract. Monitor closely. * **Cathartic Use**: To prevent severe diarrhea and dehydration, if multiple doses of activated charcoal are administered, only the *first* dose should contain an osmotic cathartic (e.g., sorbitol). * **Mess Hazard**: Charcoal powder stains fabrics easily and dry powder tends to float and cover wide areas.
Drug interactions
- Other orally administered therapeutic agents: Charcoal will adsorb other drugs; separate administration by at least 3 hours.
- Dairy products: May reduce the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal.
- Mineral oil: May reduce the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal.
- Polyethylene glycol / Electrolyte solutions (e.g., Go-Lytely): May reduce the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal.
- All orally administered drugs: Reduces the absorption and therefore efficacy of orally administered drugs
Frequently asked questions
What is Activated Charcoal used for in pets?
> **IMPORTANT**: This agent should generally be used under professional veterinary supervision. * If used on an outpatient basis, patients must be observed for at least 4 hours after administration for signs associated with high blood sodium (weakness, unsteadiness, tremors, convulsions). If these occur, seek immediate veterinary care. * Expect your pet's stool to be black for a few days. * **Warning**: Charcoal powder is extremely messy and can easily and permanently stain fabrics, carpets, and clothing.
Is Activated Charcoal safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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