Activated charcoal (Tablets, Capsules) Instructions for Use
ATC Code
A07BA01 (Activated charcoal)
Active Substance
Activated charcoal (BP British Pharmacopoeia)
Clinical-Pharmacological Group
Enterosorbent
Pharmacotherapeutic Group
Antidiarrheals, intestinal anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial agents; intestinal adsorbents; charcoal preparations
Pharmacological Action
Adsorbent agent. It has enterosorbing, detoxifying, and antidiarrheal action.
It belongs to the group of polyvalent physical-chemical antidotes and has high surface activity.
It adsorbs poisons and toxins from the gastrointestinal tract before their absorption, including alkaloids, glycosides, barbiturates and other hypnotic and narcotic agents, salts of heavy metals, toxins of bacterial, plant, animal origin, phenol derivatives, hydrocyanic acid, sulfonamides, gases.
It also adsorbs excess of some metabolic products – bilirubin, urea, cholesterol, endogenous metabolites responsible for the development of endogenous toxicosis.
It poorly adsorbs acids and alkalis (including iron salts, cyanides, methanol, ethylene glycol). It does not irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Pharmacokinetics
Not absorbed, not metabolized, excreted completely through the gastrointestinal tract within 24 hours.
Indications
Exogenous and endogenous intoxications of various origins (as a detoxifying agent).
Foodborne toxic infections, dysentery, salmonellosis (as part of complex treatment).
Poisoning by medicinal products (psychotropic, hypnotic, narcotic agents, etc.), alkaloids, salts of heavy metals and other poisons.
Gastrointestinal diseases accompanied by dyspepsia and flatulence.
Food and drug allergy.
Hyperbilirubinemia, hyperazotemia.
To reduce gas formation in the intestine before ultrasound and X-ray examinations.
For the prevention of chronic intoxications in hazardous industries.
ICD codes
| ICD-10 code | Indication |
| A02 | Other salmonella infections |
| A04.9 | Unspecified bacterial intestinal infection |
| A05.9 | Bacterial foodborne intoxication, unspecified |
| A09.9 | Gastroenteritis and colitis of unspecified origin |
| K30 | Functional dyspepsia (digestive disorder) |
| K59.1 | Functional diarrhea |
| N18.9 | Chronic kidney disease, unspecified |
| R14 | Flatulence and related conditions (including abdominal bloating, belching) |
| R17 | Hyperbilirubinemia, with or without jaundice, not elsewhere classified |
| T40 | Poisoning by narcotics and psychodysleptics [hallucinogens] |
| T42 | Poisoning by antiepileptic, sedative-hypnotic and antiparkinsonism drugs |
| T43 | Poisoning by psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified |
| T50.9 | Other and unspecified drugs, medicaments and biological substances |
| T56 | Toxic effect of metals |
| T78.1 | Other adverse food reactions, not elsewhere classified |
| T88.7 | Unspecified adverse effect of drug or medicament |
| X49 | Accidental poisoning by and exposure to other and unspecified chemicals and noxious substances |
| Z51.4 | Preparatory procedures for subsequent treatment or examination, not elsewhere classified |
| Z57 | Occupational exposure to risk factors |
| ICD-11 code | Indication |
| 1A09.Z | Salmonella infection, unspecified |
| 1A0Z | Bacterial intestinal infections, unspecified |
| 1A1Z | Bacterial foodborne intoxications, unspecified |
| 1A40.0 | Gastroenteritis or colitis of unspecified origin |
| 4A85.21 | Urticaria or angioedema caused by food |
| 4A85.2Z | Food hypersensitivity, unspecified |
| DD90.0 | Globus sensation |
| DD90.1 | Functional dysphagia |
| DD90.3 | Functional dyspepsia |
| DD90.Z | Functional disorders of esophagus or gastroduodenal system, unspecified |
| DD91.2 | Functional diarrhea |
| DD93.Y | Other specified functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants, toddlers and school-age children |
| DD9Z | Functional gastrointestinal disorders, unspecified |
| GB61.Z | Chronic kidney disease, unspecified stage |
| ME08 | Flatulence and related conditions |
| ME10.1 | Unspecified jaundice |
| NE60 | Poisoning by drugs, medicaments or biological substances, not elsewhere classified |
| NE61 | Toxic effect of poisonous substances, chiefly nonmedicinal, not elsewhere classified |
| NF09 | Adverse effects, not elsewhere classified |
| PB36 | Unintentional exposure to or harmful effect of other or unspecified substances, chiefly nonmedicinal |
| QB9A | Preparatory procedures for subsequent treatment |
| QD84.Z | Exposure to occupational risk factors, unspecified |
Dosage Regimen
| The method of application and dosage regimen for a specific drug depend on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the compliance of the dosage form of a specific drug with the indications for use and dosage regimen. |
Administer orally. The dosage regimen is individual and depends on the indication, clinical situation, and patient age.
For acute poisoning in adults, take 20-30 grams as a single dose. In severe intoxications, administer 50 grams initially.
For children, calculate the dose based on body weight: 1 gram per kilogram of body weight per single dose. Do not exceed the maximum single dose of 50 grams.
For dyspepsia or flatulence, the typical adult dose is 1-2 grams (4-8 tablets of 250 mg) three to four times daily.
Take tablets or capsules 1-2 hours before or after meals and other medications to prevent adsorption and reduced efficacy.
For preparation before diagnostic procedures like X-ray or ultrasound to reduce gas, take 2-4 grams the evening before and the morning of the examination.
Crush tablets into a fine powder and mix with at least 250 mL of water to form a suspension for easier ingestion and improved adsorption surface area.
In cases of poisoning, initiate treatment immediately. The efficacy of activated charcoal decreases significantly with time after toxin ingestion.
For substances undergoing enterohepatic circulation, administer multiple doses. A typical regimen is 20-50 grams every 4-6 hours for 24-48 hours as directed.
Always ensure adequate hydration during treatment to minimize the risk of constipation. Monitor for gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Adverse Reactions
Possible dyspepsia, constipation, diarrhea, dark coloration of feces; with prolonged use – hypovitaminosis, impaired absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to activated charcoal, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, ulcerative colitis), gastrointestinal bleeding, simultaneous administration of antitoxic medicinal products whose effect develops after absorption (including methionine), intestinal atony; children under 3 years of age.
With caution
Patients with diabetes mellitus and persons on a diet with reduced carbohydrate content.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is possible as prescribed by a doctor.
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated for use in children under 3 years of age.
Special Precautions
In the treatment of intoxications, it is necessary to create an excess of activated charcoal in the stomach (before its lavage), in the intestine (after gastric lavage).
A decrease in the concentration of activated charcoal in the medium promotes desorption of the bound substance and its absorption (to prevent resorption of the released substance, repeated gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal are recommended).
The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires the introduction of charcoal in high doses, since the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by charcoal and its activity decreases.
If poisoning is caused by substances involved in enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), it is necessary to use activated charcoal for several days.
Drug Interactions
Activated charcoal has adsorbing properties and when taken simultaneously with other medicinal products can significantly reduce their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of other medicinal products.
Storage Conditions
Store at 2°C (36°F) to 25°C (77°F). Keep in original packaging, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Dispensing Status
Over-the-Counter
Important Safety Information
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before use. Dosage and side effects may vary. Use only as prescribed.
Medical DisclaimerBrand (or Active Substance), Marketing Authorisation Holder, Dosage Form
Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, or 50 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Vifitech, CJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
 |
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, or 50 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
Excipients : potato starch 0.047 g.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 6, 10, 5500, or 6000 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Irbit Chemical Pharmaceutical Plant, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 6, 10, 5500, or 6000 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
6 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (550) – cardboard boxes.
6 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1000) – cardboard boxes.
Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 40, 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Lumi, LLC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 40, 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (4) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (10) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (100) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (200) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (400) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (500) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (600) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
Tablets 500 mg: 10, 20, 40, 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Lumi, LLC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 500 mg: 10, 20, 40, 100, 1000, 2000, 4000, 5000, or 6000 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 500 mg |
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (4) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (10) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (100) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (200) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (400) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (500) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (600) – polyethylene bags (1) – boxes.
Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, 50, or 200 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Obnovlenie Pfc, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, 50, or 200 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets black, flat-cylindrical, with a bevel, with or without a score on one side, with or without the marking “R” on the other.
| 1 tab. | |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
Excipients : potato starch – 0.054 g, sucrose (sugar) – 0.016 g – to obtain a tablet weighing 0.32 g.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (20) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (20) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 10 or 20 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Tatkhimpharmpreparaty, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 10 or 20 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets black, round, flat-cylindrical, slightly rough, with a bevel and a score.
| 1 tab. | |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
Excipients : potato starch.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, or 50 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Usolye-Sibirskiy Chemical and Pharmaceutical Plant, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, or 50 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets black, flat-cylindrical, with a bevel and a score.
| 1 tab. | |
| Activated charcoal | 0.25 g |
Excipients : potato starch 0.047 g.
Tablet weight – 0.297 g
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (200) – group packs (for hospitals).
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (400) – group packs (for hospitals).
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (500) – group packs (for hospitals).
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (600) – group packs (for hospitals).
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1000) – group packs (for hospitals).
Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, 50, or 5000 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Pharmstandard-Lexredstva OJSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal | Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, 50, or 5000 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packs (500) – cardboard boxes.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (500) – cardboard boxes.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – blister contour packs (5) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 10, 12, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 48, 50, 60, 100, or 120 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Avexima JSC (Russia)
Manufactured By
Avexima Siberia LLC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal Avexima | Tablets 250 mg: 10, 12, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 48, 50, 60, 100, or 120 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets black in color, flat-cylindrical, with a bevel or with a bevel and a score, slightly rough.
| 1 tab. | |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
Excipients: potato starch – 47 mg.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (4) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (1) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (2) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (4) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (10) – cardboard packs
Capsules 110 mg: 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 25, 30, 36, 40, 45, 48, 50, 60, 75, 80, or 100 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
FP Obolenskoe, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal Extrasorb | Capsules 110 mg: 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 24, 25, 30, 36, 40, 45, 48, 50, 60, 75, 80, or 100 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Capsules | 1 caps. |
| Activated charcoal | 110 mg |
5 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
5 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
5 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
5 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
5 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
6 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
6 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
6 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
6 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
6 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
12 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
15 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
20 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (1) – cardboard packs.
20 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (2) – cardboard packs.
20 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (3) – cardboard packs.
20 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (4) – cardboard packs.
20 pcs. – contour cell packaging (aluminum/PVC) (5) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, or 50 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Medisorb, JSC (Russia)
Manufactured By
Uralbiopharm, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal Medisorb | Tablets 250 mg: 20, 30, or 50 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
Tablets black in color, round, flat-cylindrical, slightly rough, with a score and a bevel.
| 1 tab. | |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
Excipients: potato starch.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (2) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – cardboard packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – cardboard packs.
Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, 50, or 750 pcs.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Uralbiopharm, JSC (Russia)
Dosage Form
|
Activated charcoal-UBF | Tablets 250 mg: 10, 20, 30, 50, or 750 pcs. |
Dosage Form, Packaging, and Composition
| Tablets | 1 tab. |
| Activated charcoal | 250 mg |
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packaging.
10 pcs. – non-cell contour packaging (750) – cardboard boxes.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (1) – packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (2) – packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (3) – packs.
10 pcs. – contour cell packaging (5) – packs.
![Activated charcoal [Tablets, Capsules] 1](https://www.medixlife.com/wp-content/uploads/Medixlife_favi_512.png "Activated charcoal [Tablets, Capsules] 2")