title: Could activated charcoal be used to adsorb intraduodenal methyl tert-butyl ether spillage during its use in the dissolution of gallstones?
abstract: Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is becoming more frequently used in the non-surgical removal of cholesterol gallstones. However, during its introduction into the biliary tract, some spillage can occur and subsequent systemic absorption has been reported to lead to a variety of side effects. We have carried out in vitro experiments to assess the ability of activated charcoal to adsorb MTBE. A 10% aqueous suspension of activated charcoal was mixed with MTBE and its adsorption was estimated subsequently by gas chromatography. Adsorption varied from 38% at an activated charcoal: MTBE ratio of 1:1, to 96% at a ratio of 8:1. Only 3.2% of the adsorbed MTBE could be desorbed by resuspending the sedimented activated charcoal: MTBE complex in an equivalent volume of fresh distilled water. The results indicate that a single dose of activated charcoal (greater than 12 g) may be effective in minimizing systemic absorption of MTBE spilt during gallstone dissolution.
authors: Combined Unit in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands.
authors: K F
authors: KF
authors: Ilett
authors: B H
authors: BH
authors: Laurence
authors: L P
authors: LP
authors: Hackett
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000628:therapy*; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004386:Duodenum; D004987:Ethers / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D008738:Methyl Ethers; D012997:Solvents; D002606:Charcoal; C043243:methyl tert-butyl ether