How to take activated carbon for adults, children, pregnant women - instructions for use. Activated carbon - big cleaning with a small tablet

This remedy is well known in official and folk medicine, cosmetology and everyday life - a special form of coal has many useful properties. But when it comes to health, knowledge of how to use it is especially valuable.

What and how to take activated carbon and benefit from it

Activated carbon is a unique substance obtained through a special processing process from special raw materials of organic origin with a high carbon content, for example, from charcoal.

Activated carbon has a significant specific surface area per unit weight, and the diversity of its porous structure makes it a universal “absorbing” agent, which in fact underlies its beneficial properties.

It is a unique adsorbent:

Equally binds substances of both organic and chemical origin, but does not react with them, which means that the likelihood of the emergence of new forms from them with certain harmful properties is excluded;

Absorbs all forms of substances equally well (including gases and liquids).

At the same time, the product practically does not irritate the mucous membranes, is not absorbed at all, and regardless of how much activated carbon was taken, it is completely eliminated from the body naturally, through the intestines, within 24-48 hours after administration.

The product is available without a prescription. Release format - tablets (excipient - potato starch) or powder (lately, increasingly in the form of capsules with a gelatin body).

And it is useful to know that tablets swallowed whole act more slowly - after all, they still need time to disintegrate (crushing) naturally.

The storage conditions for the drug during the 3-year standard shelf life are simple:

Up to 25°C heat;

In a dry place, protected from foreign odors.

How activated carbon is taken in various cases

The most widespread practice is to use activated carbon for various poisonings, be it poor-quality food, excess alcohol, medications, carbon monoxide (and the consequences that develop in the body from severe, extensive burns), chemical compounds.

As already mentioned, coal is universal. Its action begins almost instantly, and, while removing toxic substances, it also instantly blocks their harmful effects on the body.

The properties of coal to cleanse harmful substances and slags are also widely used to improve the condition of:

Allergic reactions;

Diarrhea (mainly when caused by poisoning);

Salmonellosis;

Dysentery;

Hepatitis of various origins.

In addition, activated carbon is used for the following purposes:

Reducing gas formation, and it is worth emphasizing the importance of this when preparing the patient for X-ray and ultrasound examinations;

Relieving hangover syndrome (you can also drink charcoal immediately before the feast, which will reduce and slow down intoxication);

Treatment of bronchial asthma;

Treatment of heartburn and gastritis, especially if they are accompanied by excessive secretion of gastric juice and its high acidity;

Normalization of stool for constipation;

For insect bites - in the form of compresses to relieve itching, inflammation and redness;

Treatment of a number of skin diseases;

To speed up wound healing and treat inflamed damage to external tissues, there are special charcoal patches (of course, also protecting against infection).

Activated carbon is also drunk for weight loss, but strictly as an adjunct to dietary nutrition and physical activity - it cleanses the blood, reduces the concentration of harmful lipid compounds in it, which helps normalize fat metabolism.

And of course, another advantage is how activated charcoal can cleanse the body as a whole. How much to drink depends on excess weight, but usually a course of 10 days is repeated 1-2 more times at ten-day intervals.

Activated carbon whitens teeth well - acting as an abrasive, it instantly removes dark plaque formed as a result of drinking coffee, tea, eating colored berries and sauces, and smoking.

To do this, you just need to combine a small amount of its powder with a pea of toothpaste and use your toothbrush as usual. Or clean it with powder only.

Plus, this procedure will help reduce bad breath for a short time.

But dentists warn that such an aggressive effect on the enamel is permissible no more than 2 times a week and only in the absence of more gentle alternative options.

Regular intake of activated carbon internally for any purpose has a positive effect on the condition of the skin - it becomes cleaner and younger, oily shine disappears and blackheads decrease. But women often prepare face masks with charcoal powder, combining it, for example, with dairy products, clays, herbal decoctions, and gelatin.

Activated carbon - how much and how to drink correctly

Activated carbon in tablets and capsules must be washed down with plenty of water and only water - green tea, milk and juices are not suitable. Sometimes the tablets are chewed and washed down with water. Powdered coal is simply diluted in it.

Nutrition significantly influences how to take activated charcoal - no later than 1 hour before meals and no earlier than 2 hours after it.

The fact is that mixing with food will reduce the effectiveness of the coal itself, plus it will complicate the absorption of nutrients from food.

The maximum daily dose of the drug for an adult is 8 g, and the average is about 1-3 g.

How much activated carbon you need to take is directly affected not only by a person’s weight, but also by his age, individual health characteristics and, of course, the type of specific case requiring the use of the product.

As a rule, the more serious it is, the more the dosages increase, and in case of poisoning, charcoal is often used twice - a solution is prepared for washing the stomach and, after it has been cleansed of harmful substances, a means is taken for the final removal of toxic substances.

In other cases, for example, with allergies and heartburn, charcoal is taken little by little and for a long time - from 3 days to several weeks (although this is associated with certain risks, which will be discussed below).

If the amount of activated carbon you need to take per day can be divided into portions sufficient for its effectiveness, in many cases it is prescribed 2-6 times a day, and the time of day does not affect the effectiveness of the drug in any way.

When using activated carbon for more than 1 week, it is then recommended to include foods with probiotics and prebiotics in the diet (or drink them as a supplement) to restore good microflora of the digestive tract.

How to take activated carbon without harm to health

Continuous intake of activated carbon at any dose is not recommended for longer than 2 weeks. The fact is that the adsorbing property of the drug extends not only to harmful substances, but also to useful ones. Thus, its excess in the body gradually contributes to the formation of a deficiency of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

A natural continuation may be a decrease in immunity, disorders in the nervous system, problems with hormonal levels and much more.

Therefore, in parallel with the course of taking activated carbon, multivitamin preparations and dietary supplements are often prescribed.

The way activated charcoal is taken is influenced by the medications taken - firstly, they are separated by an interval of at least 2 hours, and secondly, in some cases it is advisable to evaluate which is a higher priority.

Activated carbon also has other side effects:

To avoid constipation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, when taking it for a long time, be sure to have a nutritious, balanced diet and drink enough liquid - at least 1.5 liters per day;

Frequent consumption of charcoal immediately after or immediately before meals can cause the development of dyspepsia (digestive disorders).

Against this background, the possible staining of stool in black seems to be the most harmless effect, which really should not bother you.

It is also important to know the cases in which taking the drug is impossible:

Ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;

Intestinal atony;

Gastric and intestinal bleeding (and even suspicion of them);

Taking antitoxic drugs, the action of which begins after absorption through the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Despite the fact that in general pregnancy and breastfeeding are not contraindications, during these periods each intake of activated carbon requires special care.

Finally, it should be noted that independently diagnosing a health condition and choosing a treatment method is always a big risk, even when using such a relatively simple and safe product as activated carbon.

Perhaps, only its use in cosmetology and everyday life (and it is present in many filters for water and air purification) can be treated freely.

But in the question of how to take activated carbon, you always need an opinion, consultation with a specialist, or, as with any over-the-counter products, careful reading of its instructions.

Activated carbon is the most popular adsorbent in the world, the effectiveness of which is beyond doubt. However, its correct dosage is a subject of intense debate. According to the instructions, in case of acute poisoning you need to take 20-30 g of the substance, which is equal to 100-120 standard tablets.

It is the high doses of the drug that make the modern consumer doubt the advisability of its use for medicinal purposes. Doctors also reinforce doubts by offering other medications that require smaller dosages to take, but cost several times more. Is coal really inferior to them in terms of adsorbing abilities?

Features of the drug

Activated carbon is a porous hydrocarbon compound whose hexagonal atomic structures form irregularly displaced layers. For example, the structure of another hydrocarbon compound, graphite, involves parallel layers of atoms, which is why its adsorption abilities are not comparable to those of coal. Its discrepancies between layers form pores of different sizes. Scientists highlight:

micropores;
mesopores;
macropores.

It is the variety of sizes of porous holes that ensures universal adsorption - carbon is capable of accumulating particles up to a nanometer in size, as well as macromolecules of organic compounds. In addition, the branching of the holes and high surface activity provide a huge area of contact with gaseous and liquid media, as a result - the latter are purified from almost any impurities.

It is worth mentioning separately the characteristics of coal indifference:

inert - the substance does not react with molecules of organic or chemical nature;
not selective about condition- interacts equally actively with both liquids and gases;
does not interact further- binds substances without converting them, preventing the appearance of more toxic forms;
safe for fabrics- has no irritating properties, therefore does not damage mucous membranes.

The listed properties of the drug make it ideal for detoxifying the human body.

Classic carbon tablets can be used to treat adults and children from three years of age.

Activation of raw materials

The adsorption qualities of any substance depend on the area of contact of its molecules with the medium being purified. Charcoal has quite a lot of internal passages, which are large in size, and the total contact area is limited by closed external pores and an insufficient number of micropores.

To increase the adsorption capacity, ordinary charcoal is activated - treated with water vapor at the highest temperature conditions, reaching 1000 ° C in the complete absence of oxygen. Thanks to this processing, special changes occur with the raw material:

pores appear - surface ones open and the number of macroholes increases, and a huge number of micropores appear;
the total area increases- the adsorption surface increases to 1000-2000 m² per 1 g of the resulting substance.

Activated carbon powder has the most active adsorption, so it is recommended to crush the tablets before ingestion. The rate of absorption of harmful substances by a solid tablet is significantly lower, since it will take time to disintegrate in a liquid medium.

Indications

The drug is able to absorb a huge amount of substances:

toxins of endogenous origin;
gaseous products of decay and fermentation processes;
alkaloid compounds;
any types of glycosides;
heavy metals in the form of salts;
salicylic acid salts;
barbiturates;
organic compounds.

It acts only in the intestines, is not absorbed into the blood, and is excreted unchanged by the body during bowel movements for 24-48 hours after ingestion.

In this regard, activated carbon is taken to eliminate or alleviate the symptoms of a number of pathological conditions.

Gastritis. Especially if irritation of the mucous membrane is provoked by increased secretion of hydrochloric acid.
Flatulence. Often, flatulence occurs due to overeating, poor diet, disturbances of the intestinal microflora, as well as enzymatic insufficiency of digestive processes. Taking the drug alleviates the condition as it enters the intestines - the less food eaten before taking it, the faster the increased gas formation will be eliminated.
Diarrhea. The etiology does not matter in this case, since the drug will be appropriate both for poisoning and for increased water content in the intestines caused by taking laxatives.
Foodborne toxic infections. These include dysentery and salmonellosis.
Chemical poisoning. For example, salts of heavy metals, alcohol, nitrogen-containing compounds. It is important to know that the concentration of toxic substances in the blood plasma decreases only after several doses of high doses of charcoal. And even if the remedy is taken for a hangover, a single dose will not be enough.
Burns. Severe burns with a large area of damage require the use of adsorbents to eliminate toxemia and septicotoxemia - poisoning by toxins of endogenous origin.
Hepatitis. Hepatitis of viral, drug, and alcohol origin, as well as cirrhosis of the liver, are often accompanied by hyperbilirubinemia.
Allergy. The product is used to bind and remove possible provocateurs of an allergic reaction if there is a suspicion that the allergens come with food. Used for complex therapy of atopic dermatitis, urticaria of unknown cause, bronchial asthma.

Coal is also taken before the examination. The drug is used in advance to eliminate increased gas formation in the intestines, which interferes with obtaining adequate results of ultrasound, magnetic resonance and x-ray studies.

Despite the general indication “dyspeptic disorders”, taking charcoal for constipation is inappropriate.

Rules of application

Activated carbon is considered one of the safest drugs on the entire pharmaceutical market. Naturally, to confirm this characteristic, its correct application is necessary.

During pregnancy. Admission is not contraindicated during periods of pregnancy and lactation, but requires prior approval from a doctor.
In childhood. Due to the fine dispersion of activated carbon, there is a risk of asphyxia when taken by children. Therefore, the child should be given powder dissolved in a small amount of water.
Contraindications. The drug should not be taken orally if the patient is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, nonspecific ulcerative colitis or intestinal atony.
Adverse reactions. Coal turns stool black. It can also cause constipation, so during therapy it is necessary to take care of the optimal drinking regime and a balanced diet.

Uncontrolled and incorrect use of the drug can lead to health problems.

Small doses. If the drug is taken in insufficient doses on top of a large meal, there is a risk of desorption of toxins. They come out of the carbon pores and again penetrate the mucous membranes. That is why in case of acute poisoning, it is recommended to initially lavage the stomach with charcoal, followed by its internal use to create an effective concentration inside the intestine.
Long-term use. Often accompanies various weight loss techniques. It is important to understand that coal absorbs not only harmful substances, but also useful and necessary ones. In addition to metal salts and toxins of bacterial origin, the substance adsorbs vitamins, minerals, amino acids, which is fraught with the development of vitamin deficiency, disruption of the immune system, and the occurrence of anemia.
Irrational approach. Any dose of charcoal is taken two hours before or two hours after meals, medications, vitamin-mineral complexes. If this recommendation is ignored, the effectiveness of other medications decreases, and the ingested food is deprived of a large amount of beneficial substances.

Considering the fact that activated carbon is excreted by the body unchanged, the risk of overdose is eliminated.

Dosing

The dosage depends on the purpose of taking the drug, as well as the age of the patient.

Children

On average, the dose of coal for a child is usually calculated from the norm - 0.05 g per 1 kg of body weight. That is, one tablet is designed for 5 kg of child weight. The medicine should be taken with a glass of clean water (at least).

Children from three to seven years old. The usual dose (for flatulence, allergies, gastritis) is two to four tablets three or four times a day. For diarrhea, the dose can be increased to five tablets four times a day. In case of acute poisoning, children from three to seven years old are supposed to take 15 g of the drug per day - three times 5 g each, that is, 20 tablets of 250 mg each.
Children from seven to 14 years old. The standard dose is four tablets four times a day. For diarrhea - five to six tablets four times a day. In case of poisoning - 7 g of powder three times a day.

Adults

The most common misconception is that it is enough for an adult to take one tablet of coal per 10 kg of body weight.

Usual dose. Six tablets four times a day. It is used for allergies, to eliminate flatulence, and in preparation for research.
Increased dose. Prescribed for gastritis and high acidity. Contains 2 g of activated carbon for four times a day. That is, eight tablets, four times - a total of 32 tablets.
Maximum dose. In case of poisoning, drink 20-30 g of the drug (from 80 to 120 tablets). Grind into powder, dilute with a glass of water and take orally or use for gastric lavage. After complete cleansing, the same dose of the drug should be taken again.

The minimum duration of treatment for an adult is three days, the maximum is 15 days.

Release forms

The most affordable in terms of price is regular activated carbon in tablet form, which contains 250 mg of pure active ingredient, as well as auxiliary components. The inconvenience of taking tablets is due to the need to crush them first. The suspension can be difficult to drink, so pharmaceutical manufacturers have created capsule forms.

"Sorbex". One capsule of the drug contains 250 mg of activated carbon in granular form. Due to this, the adsorbing surface area not only increases, but also the activity of the drug is prolonged. This is due to the additional breakdown of granules inside the body. The standard dosage for an adult is two to three capsules per dose. The drug exhibits more active detoxifying properties compared to charcoal tablets.
"Extrasorb".
Activated carbon in capsules, available in various dosages: 110 mg, 220 mg, 250 mg per capsule."Ultra-Adsorb".
Capsulated form with a dosage of 200 mg. The standard dose for an adult is two to three capsules per dose.
"Carbopect". The dose of activated carbon in one capsule is 110 mg, so four to eight capsules for an adult are recommended per single dose. The maximum single dose is 32 capsules of the drug.

"Carbolong". Available in the form of activated carbon powder, packaged in 5 g bags. The most convenient dosage form for eliminating acute intoxications. The recommended dose for an adult is one or two packets three times a day. Children from seven years old can take one packet three times a day. The powder should be diluted in half a glass of water.

Encapsulated forms of activated carbon are positioned as fast-acting. This is due to the increased rate of toxin absorption once the capsule enters the body and its gelatin shell dissolves.

Additional capabilities of the sorbent

In addition to medical purposes, the drug is also used for household purposes. To eliminate unpleasant odors.
Activated carbon will help get rid of musty, damp and moldy odors in the room, refrigerator, and near trash cans. To do this, fill a flat container with coal powder and place it in the required place. It is recommended to replace the contents of the dishes every three days until odors are completely eliminated or dry the used charcoal in the oven at a temperature of 200 ºC. If there is insufficient ventilation in the room, moisture quickly accumulates, causing the development of mold. It is recommended to place containers with coal in damp rooms. It is advisable to place them in corners, under window sills, near a clothes dryer if you have to dry it in the house.
For cleaning shoes. There are special insoles with a layer of activated carbon. They provide good ventilation of the foot, prevent sweating and unpleasant odor. Also, to eliminate unpleasant odor or prevent its occurrence, you can put a linen bag filled with charcoal in your shoes at night. The same manipulation will help dry a wet boot faster.

Activated carbon is also actively used for beauty. It is used for weight loss, taken three times a day before meals. Compliance with the recommendation for taking on an empty stomach is mandatory, since the drug adsorbs vitamins and nutrients from food. Coal is also used to make homemade masks for the face and scalp to eliminate excess oiliness.

When using activated carbon to treat disorders or for other purposes, do not forget that it is a medicinal product and, despite its safety, requires strict adherence to the instructions in the instructions. Before using the product in children, it is important to consult a pediatrician.

Other medicines

You will always find activated carbon in your first aid kit. Many people use it for food or other types of poisoning, but in fact, black, round tablets save you from various ailments. In this article I will talk about the use of activated carbon. You may have never even heard of some properties.

As a medicine, charcoal has advantages and contraindications, as well as dosage. It is used to cleanse the body, for poisoning, and in cosmetology. The drug can also be used in everyday life.

The tablets we are familiar with are obtained from wood, peat, and are manufactured at a temperature of 1000 degrees. The tablets are made of carbon and have a porous structure. Externally they resemble graphite.

Ancient India is considered the birthplace of coal. There were many signs and beliefs there. For example, before drinking water, it must be filtered through a kind of carbon filter, and then infused in a copper jug and placed in the sun.

The drug was used in medicine in Ancient Egypt, and was used by the Romans to purify water and alcoholic beverages. In the 18th century, scientists discovered the ability to absorb gases and substances.

Cleansing the body is the most popular function of activated carbon. This is the most famous and safest remedy today.

Today we eat it without fear, and in 1831 a French scientist conducted an experiment. He ate a lethal dose of a poisonous drug and did not die. He survived because he mixed the drug with activated carbon.

Taking the drug orally brings benefits to the body:

Absorbent action. The drug will help cleanse the body of impurities. It absorbs harmful substances like a sponge. Coal does not absorb already absorbed substances, but those that are in the intestines and stomach easily. This way the substances will not enter the blood.
Catalytic action. This is the process of attracting contaminated particles to oxygen particles. Hence the disinfectant properties.
The drug is suitable for emergency cleansing of the body and is suitable for poisoning. It neutralizes the absorption of harmful substances into the blood by half.
By taking a pill before a feast, you will reduce the influence of alcohol, fatty foods, and in the morning you will alleviate alcohol poisoning.
As we have already said, a few charcoal tablets will help you with increased gas formation and the colic that is associated with it.
Doctors prescribe activated charcoal for infectious diseases, diarrhea, and allergies, because it removes toxins and substances that cause allergies from the body.
Proper use of charcoal will help restore metabolism.
Used for purulent processes in the body and hepatitis.

Contraindications

Do not forget that coal attracts not only harmful substances and pollutants, but also beneficial elements, vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates and fats. Therefore, it cannot be used in long courses.
Use is contraindicated for gastrointestinal bleeding, gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Failure to comply with the dosage causes vomiting and toxicosis. The recommended period of admission is no more than 10 days. For long-term use of the drug, a prescription is given by a doctor.
Take other medications after activated charcoal, at least 2 hours later. Otherwise, the tablets will have no effect.

How to use

Activated carbon should be used internally at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kilograms of weight. The dosage and duration of administration will be prescribed by the doctor. There are several ways to cleanse the body using charcoal for 10 and 14 days.

In the first case, take 10 tablets a day, divided into 3 doses, before meals, at least half an hour before.

In the second case, we determine the number of tablets by weight and divide them into 2 doses per day before meals. It is recommended to take the tablets with a glass of clean water.

At the first signs of poisoning, you need to immediately take 5 tablets, and if the symptoms do not disappear, then after a certain time take another 2-5 tablets. In some cases, it is recommended to rinse the stomach with a solution of potassium permanganate before using the drug, and then take activated carbon. In case of severe poisoning, consult a doctor immediately.

Coal will help in the fight against, especially after long holidays. People would give a lot to avoid the consequences. A hangover is also a poisoning of the body. Using our advice, you can help your body.

Before a feast, take 1 tablet per 20 kilograms of weight, after gatherings, 1 tablet per 10 kilograms, and in the morning before meals, 1 tablet per 30 kilograms of weight. Your health will improve, and your body will more easily tolerate alcohol poisoning.

Approach treatment of children with caution. The course of taking the drug for children is prescribed by a doctor. Do not forget about the recovery of the body after treatment, and compatibility with other medications. Dosages may change during treatment, and the slightest discomfort becomes a signal.

There are no contraindications for use during pregnancy. However, you should not abuse the tablets; in case of poisoning, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Although the use of coal is harmless, there are now drugs that are harmless to expectant mothers. For example: “Smecta”, “Lactrofiltrum”.

For weight loss

Black pills help you lose weight, but they cannot be considered a stand-alone remedy for weight loss. They only work in combination with a moderate diet and physical activity. Separately, they will only help cleanse the body and remove toxins and waste.

The method of losing weight with the help of the drug is based precisely on removing toxins from the body and absorbing gases. Nutritionists believe that problems with excess weight are associated with the intestines.

Activated charcoal will only help if consumed before meals. It will help your body feel full and you won't overeat. True, this method is not suitable for people who like to eat in small portions.

Other sources say that you need to take 10 tablets a day, dividing the doses. Whatever method you choose, you should not use it for more than 3 days, remember the contraindications.

Application in cosmetology

The drug is used in cosmetology. I myself constantly make face masks with charcoal. The skin of the face becomes soft, velvety and clean, and you can forget about blackheads.

In addition to masks, I mix it with toothpaste and brush my teeth 2 times a week. The effect is amazing, they become whiter, the plaque disappears, and the smell is refreshed.

Modern cosmetics contain activated carbon. This drug is a gift for oily skin. It fights oily shine, tightens pores, deals with blackheads, and evens out the surface of the skin.

For the mask: mix a teaspoon of sour cream with half a crushed tablet. The mask is ready. Apply to face for 10 minutes and then rinse with water at room temperature; use 2 times a week. Sour cream can be replaced with kefir.
Masks with gelatin are also in demand. For cooking you will need 1 tsp. gelatin, 1 tbsp. warm milk. Mix gelatin and milk and leave for half an hour. Next, heat the mixture in a water bath, and then put it in the microwave for 1 minute. Add charcoal and cosmetic clay to the resulting solution. Before applying the mask, steam your face and then apply for 20-30 minutes.
Whitening your teeth is also easy. Crush the charcoal and dip your toothbrush and toothpaste into it. Then we brush our teeth as usual. The oral cavity will initially turn black, this should not scare you. Carbon is great at removing plaque or other contaminants. Use this method no more than twice a week.

Household assistant

The tablets have found application in various areas, including becoming an excellent helper around the house. Here are some tricks:

Charcoal tablets will eliminate unpleasant odors. Place them in the bathroom, kitchen, or refrigerator and they will absorb the unpleasant odor. You can take it out of the package, or you can wrap it in cloth or put it in a bag. Periodically replace the “air fresheners” with new ones, or you can put them in the oven for 3 hours at 250 degrees and use them again.
By making insoles using charcoal, you will reduce unpleasant odor, in addition, they will absorb moisture well and have an antibacterial effect.
Since ancient times, coal has been used to purify water. There are carbon filters, buy them or make them yourself.
Homemade moonshine is purified using activated carbon.

I hope you liked the tips and will use them. After all, activated carbon is an economical helper around the house, affordable cosmetics and proven, high-quality medicine.

Activated carbon is one of the most ancient and proven methods of cleansing the body in case of food or alcohol poisoning, as well as as a preventive measure. Charcoal tablets are affordable and easy to use.

Activated carbon is primarily intended to localize various problems and malfunctions in the digestive tract. This is one of the accessible and at the same time effective remedies used for food poisoning and more severe poisoning. The practice of cleansing with activated carbon is not always associated with poisoning. The medicinal properties of charcoal tablets allow them to be used for various health problems.

There is an opinion that this method of cleansing the body of waste and toxins, and also of extra pounds at the same time, was invented a long time ago; it was used by the ancient Egyptians. And today, thanks to its medicinal properties, activated carbon remains unrivaled.

For example, because there is not a single drug that can remove radionuclides from the body as quickly. In addition, activated carbon, according to seekers of universal weight loss formulas, ensures the removal of excess fat from the body, this happens at the time of transport of blood through the vessels. And at the same time, the level of cholesterol in the blood decreases, which also shows the beneficial and beneficial effects of activated carbon.

Indications for use

In medical publications you can find advice on cleansing the body with activated carbon two or three times a year. The environmental situation can be a serious reason for taking a course of charcoal tablets. We breathe polluted air, eat food and drink water of questionable quality. And at this time, the tissues of our body absorb all these harmful substances like a sponge.

What else is activated carbon used for?

Activated charcoal is often used as a supplement to a particular diet. It is recommended to take it during colds and viral diseases in order to speed up the recovery process. Those who suffer from regular headaches should also put off analgesics for a while and take “black pills” for several days (7-10 days). The fact is that migraines are often caused by intoxication of the body; it can even be triggered by excessive use of painkillers.

Cleansing the body in case of poisoning

For food and alcohol poisoning, charcoal tablets are an irreplaceable thing. Therefore, literate people try to have a pack of tablets in their medicine cabinet. If symptoms of poisoning suddenly appear, you should immediately take several charcoal tablets.

Regarding the dosage of activated carbon recommended for use in case of poisoning, there are several simple rules. Activated carbon tablets must be taken before the gastric lavage is performed, and not after. The basis for calculating the dosage is a scheme that involves taking one tablet of activated carbon per ten kilograms of a person’s weight.

For the greatest effect, the tablets should be crushed and diluted with water or chewed thoroughly and washed down with water (at least one glass).

Cleansing the body of toxins

The cleansing course usually lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Amount activated according to the scheme: 1 tablet of coal per 10 kilograms of body weight. Drink charcoal tablets twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening. Coal application courses should be no more than once every 3 months.

After cleansing the body with charcoal, it is necessary to take a course of medications containing lactobacilli to restore intestinal microflora or actively consume fermented milk products for some time, this will also restore balance in the intestines.

Contraindications for charcoal tablets

It is worth remembering that the properties of coal are to remove harmful substances from the body, but along with them, useful substances are also removed: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins. Activated charcoal should not be used for stomach bleeding, ulcerative colitis and damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa. Individual intolerance is considered a serious contraindication.

Russian name

Activated carbon

Latin name of the substance: Activated carbon

Carbo activatus ( genus. Carbonis activati)

Pharmacological group of the substance Activated carbon

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

CAS code

16291-96-6

Characteristics of the substance Activated carbon

Black powder, odorless and tasteless. Practically insoluble in common solvents.

Pharmacology

pharmachologic effect- adsorbent, detoxifying, antidiarrheal.

It is characterized by high surface activity, which determines the ability to bind substances that reduce surface energy (without changing their chemical nature). Sorbs gases, toxins, alkaloids, glycosides, heavy metal salts, salicylates, barbiturates and other compounds, reduces their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and promotes excretion from the body with feces. Active as a sorbent during hemoperfusion. Weakly adsorbs acids and alkalis (including iron salts, cyanides, malathion, methanol, ethylene glycol). Does not irritate mucous membranes. When applied topically in a patch, it increases the rate of healing of ulcers. To develop the maximum effect, it is recommended to administer immediately after poisoning or within the first hours. When treating intoxications, it is necessary to create an excess of carbon in the stomach (before gastric lavage) and in the intestines (after gastric lavage). The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires administration in high doses, because the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by carbon and its activity decreases. Reducing the concentration of carbon 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 carbon are recommended). If poisoning is caused by substances involved in the enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), it is necessary to use charcoal for several days. It is especially effective as a sorbent for hemoperfusion in cases of acute poisoning with barbiturates, glutethimide, and theophylline.

Application of the substance Activated carbon

Dyspepsia, diseases accompanied by processes of putrefaction and fermentation in the intestines (including flatulence), increased acidity and hypersecretion of gastric juice, diarrhea, acute poisoning (including alkaloids, glycosides, salts of heavy metals), diseases with toxic syndrome — food toxic infections, dysentery, salmonellosis, burn disease in the stage of toxemia and septicotoxemia, hyperazotemia (chronic renal failure), hyperbilirubinemia (chronic and acute viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver), allergic diseases, bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, preparation for x-ray and ultrasound examinations (to reduce gas formation in the intestines).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers, nonspecific ulcerative colitis), bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, simultaneous administration of antitoxic substances, the effect of which develops after absorption (methionine, etc.).

Side effects of the substance Activated carbon

Dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhea, black stools; with long-term use (more than 14 days), the absorption of calcium, fats, proteins, vitamins, hormones, and nutrients may be impaired; with hemoperfusion through activated carbon, embolism, hemorrhage, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, and a decrease in blood pressure may develop.

Interaction

Activated carbon reduces the absorption and effectiveness of medications taken orally at the same time as it; reduces the activity of intragastric active substances (for example, ipecac).

special instructions

Interactions with other active ingredients

Trade names

Name	The value of the Vyshkowski Index ®