Single-dose activated charcoal-backup and reassess.
Single-dose activated charcoal (SDAC) is frequently administered to poisoned patients. The assumption is that toxin absorption is prevented and that toxicity (as defined by morbidity and mortality) of the poisoning is decreased. Yet there is no evidence that SDAC improves outcome. Risks of this procedure have not been determined. The reported adverse events following SDAC administration are reviewed and risk:benefit ratio for this procedure is discussed.
Seger
Donna
D
Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-4632, USA. donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu
D000327:Adsorption; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002606:Charcoal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003666:Decontamination / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011041:Poisoning / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000931:Antidotes; D002606:Charcoal