Effect of activated charcoal on diethylcarbamazine absorption in humans.
We investigated the effect of the oral binder-activated charcoal on the excretion of diethylcarbamazine. Six healthy volunteers were given 150 mg diethylcarbamazine with 350 mL water each. One and 2 weeks later, they received 150 mg diethylcarbamazine plus 7.5 and 15 g activated charcoal, respectively, in 350 mL water as a charcoal slurry. Urinary levels of diethylcarbamazine were measured spectrophotometrically from 1 to 72 hours after ingestion in three different periods. Treatment with activated charcoal led to 5.4% urinary recovery of diethylcarbamazine, decreased excretion rate, and a much lower plateau indicator of reduced absorption. Activated charcoal reduces the absorption and urinary excretion rate of diethylcarbamazine by adsorbing it in the gastrointestinal tract.
Orisakwe
O E
OE
Toxicology Unit, Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Connice@infoweb.abs.net
Ilondu
N D
ND
Afonne
O J
OJ
Ofoefule
S I
SI
Orish
C N
CN
Agbasi
P U
PU
D000042:Absorption; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002606:Charcoal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects; D005369:Filaricides / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000652:urine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D005369:Filaricides; D002606:Charcoal; D004049:Diethylcarbamazine