Activated charcoal-
sorbitol mixture is used for the treatment of acute
poisoning. Based on our experience with healthy adults, overdosed patients and published reports, we have devised a protocol for use of this mixture in different concentrations of
sorbitol. The dose is based on the size of the patient, type of
poison, and the clinical status. In seriously ill adult patients, we recommend the use of 1 g/kg of
activated charcoal in 4.3 ml/kg
body weight of 70%
sorbitol every 4 hours until the first stool containing
charcoal appears. In children and ambulatory adults, the same dose of
activated charcoal may be administered in 4.3 ml/kg
body weight of 35%
sorbitol. Patients requiring multiple doses may be administered
activated charcoal as aqueous and
sorbitol suspensions alternately every 2-6 hours after the first
charcoal stool has appeared. The patients on multiple dose regimen, especially children, should be closely monitored for any fluid or
electrolyte imbalance or depletion of essential
vitamins.