Dear readers, you all know activated carbon and you may have used it at some point. This is an effective and inexpensive medicine that should definitely be in your home or car first aid kit. How to take activated carbon, what benefits does it have for our health, when and how much can it be taken? This is what we are talking about today.
What is activated carbon
Each tablet contains activated carbon itself, black salt and a component that acts as an excipient (starch). Black salt is a substance produced industrially, which in its pure form has an adsorbing effect. It contains a large number of microelements that have a beneficial effect on all systems of the human body.
Adding black salt to the medicine helps reduce the loss of the adsorbing effect of coal, which can be significantly weakened due to the presence of starch. There is a composition that contains sugar instead of black salt, which is why such products have less effect of the active ingredients. The standard weight of one tablet is 0.6 g.
Activated carbon is a very effective means of removing harmful substances not only from the human body, but also from water or food. This is especially true in modern environmental conditions, since the use of tap water can be harmful to health due to the high content of heavy metals in it. Coal allows you to get rid of this problem.
Activated carbon has expired
Important
Release form, composition Activated carbon is produced in the form of black tablets, in packages (blisters) of 10 pcs. The main active ingredient in the composition is activated carbon, which is a natural product obtained from charcoal and coal coke. Potato starch acts as an auxiliary component.
Coal has filtering properties and absorbs all harmful components. In order not to cause harm to the body, you must comply with storage periods.
In what cases is it used?
Activated carbon has a very wide range of applications.
Activated carbon
Activated carbon has the ability to absorb toxic substances of animal and plant origin, heavy metal compounds, toxic gases, and sleeping pills. Such properties of the drug allow it to be used in many cases, for example:
- In case of food intoxication. Can be used to treat a person poisoned by stale meat or fish, mushrooms or other expired products.
- In case of disruption of the functioning of the digestive system. This may be diarrhea, flatulence, or impaired production of gastric juice.
- Activated carbon is used for poisoning with alkaloids such as nicotine, morphine or caffeine.
- In the presence of infectious diseases of the digestive tract (dysentery, cholera, salmonellosis).
- If there is a malfunction of the liver caused by chronic or acute pancreatitis, chronic cholecystitis.
Doctors often prescribe activated charcoal for poisoning, to treat increased gas formation, and in preparation for certain diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy or x-ray examination. This drug can have a positive effect on allergies and skin diseases. Sometimes doctors recommend taking charcoal after chemotherapy in order to reduce the negative effects on the body.
The active components of the drug do not pose a danger to the fetus and newborns. This allows the use of activated carbon in case of poisoning in pregnant and lactating women. This medication begins its action only in the intestines, without penetrating into the bloodstream.
Application of activated carbon
In what cases and how to take activated charcoal for pregnant women, the attending physician should decide. Despite the fact that this drug is practically harmless, you should not take it without first consulting a specialist.
Does it have an expiration date?
Does activated carbon have an expiration date? Activated carbon itself can be stored forever , since before becoming a medicine, it lay under the earth's surface for millions of years.
However, due to the fact that Russian legislation defines a mandatory procedure for setting expiration dates for medicines, activated carbon also has it .
Recommendations for storing opened protein can be found on our website.
How to use
When using activated carbon, the following rules must be observed:
- It must be remembered that this drug removes not only toxic compounds from the body, but also some useful ones. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is imperative to find out the cause of the disorder. So, if there are infectious or viral intestinal pathologies or dysbiosis, the use of coal can aggravate the situation, since this product deprives the intestinal microflora of useful substances that can fight pathogenic microorganisms.
- Another rule is to take plenty of water along with the drug. This is necessary so that the active substance can spread unhindered throughout the intestines. Therefore, it is better to dissolve the required amount of activated carbon tablets in plain water at medium temperature. This method of application will help achieve a faster onset of the therapeutic effect.
- If activated carbon is used for too long, vitamins and other beneficial substances are washed out of the body. Therefore, after completing the course of treatment with the drug, you should add more foods high in protein and vitamins to your diet.
- In order to prevent the development of diarrhea or chronic constipation, it is recommended to take probiotics for some time after completing the course of therapy. This will help restore the natural intestinal microflora.
Activated carbon for weight loss - how to take it
It is already known that increased weight sometimes depends not only on overeating and a sedentary lifestyle (although this is very important). A large role is played by slagging in the body and ineffective bowel function.
The effect of activated carbon for weight loss is based on the fact that with the simultaneous intake of food and activated carbon, the calorie content of food is reduced due to adsorption, gas formation disappears, and everything unnecessary is removed from the intestines.
But keep in mind that this also threatens insufficient absorption of nutrients - vitamins, minerals, etc. from food, which over time will negatively affect your health and appearance. Therefore, before going on such a diet, be aware of the consequences.
However, there are several ways to use activated charcoal for weight loss.
Before meals, take charcoal twice a day at the rate of 1 tablet per ten kg of body weight (no more than 10 days);
Take starting with one tablet, adding one every day; after the number of tablets reaches 10, reduce their number by one every day;
3-4 tablets before each meal, the course is recommended to be repeated after a ten-day break;
Two tablets daily on an empty stomach (10 days).
Dosage and side effects
How long it takes for activated carbon to work depends on the amount in which this product was taken. Therefore, different dosages of the drug are used for different purposes.
Activated carbon dosage
Most often, the drug is used in the form of tablets, but in some cases people drink them diluted. There should be an interval of at least 2 hours between eating food and taking the drug. The most common dosage for adults is 100-200 mg for every kg of human weight. In this case, the total amount of coal should be divided into 3 doses.
The duration of therapy directly depends on how long it takes for activated carbon to act in a particular case. Typically, the drug is recommended to be used from several days to 2 weeks, but if necessary, you can repeat the course of treatment after a couple of weeks.
Not everyone knows how to drink activated carbon correctly in different cases. If there is acute intoxication of the body, you need to drink charcoal in the form of a water suspension. After this, you can continue treatment, taking 4-5 tablets per day for at least 3 days.
For the treatment of increased gas formation in the intestines and dyspeptic disorders, 1-2 g of the drug is prescribed every 4 hours. The duration of therapy in this case is 3-7 days.
Pathologies accompanied by rotting processes in the gastrointestinal tract must be treated with activated carbon for 10-15 days. The dosage for an adult should not exceed 10 g, for children under 14 years old - 5 g. The product should be taken 3 times a day.
Despite the fact that this drug is completely safe, in some cases side effects may develop, such as constipation, diarrhea, and impaired absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract into the blood. As a rule, such complications occur as a result of long-term use of activated carbon.
Shelf life of activated carbon
The shelf life of pharmaceutical activated carbon sold in paper packaging is two years. This information is given on the coal packaging itself. In fact, if you provide it with the right storage conditions at home, it can lie there almost forever without losing its unique properties.
Properties of activated carbon Shelf life 2 years Shelf life 3 years or more, only if
compliance with storage rules
Properties of absorption of other microelements,
protecting the intestines from toxins
Storage conditions: Store in a dry place in sealed packaging.
The main property of coal is the absorption of other microelements. If the packaging is broken, it will very quickly lose its properties, having absorbed many different microelements.
The package of tablets should be placed in a bag or airtight container.
- Activated carbon should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or direct access to air.
- temperature - from +5 to +23°C. The packaging must be placed at least 1 meter from heat sources (for example, radiators).
- Activated carbon can be stored in the refrigerator , but then it is better to use an airtight container, as the carbon can absorb surrounding odors. Activated carbon should not be placed in the freezer.
- The presence of coal in a home medicine cabinet with odorous and volatile substances , for example, iodine, can lead to the gradual accumulation of these substances in the coal.
Use for weight loss
Many people are interested in how to use this drug for weight loss and how long it takes for activated carbon to work in this case. For the purpose of weight loss, such a drug should be used exclusively in tablet form. In addition, it is not recommended to replace the drug with its analogues, such as white coal or others with a similar effect, since the content of the active substance in different drugs is correspondingly different, and therefore the effect on the body will be slightly different.
The weight loss course should not exceed 2 weeks
In order to lose excess weight, it is recommended to use activated carbon, gradually increasing the dosage of the drug until the tablets taken reach the following amount: 1 tablet of carbon for every 10 kg of body weight. Regardless of the amount of the drug, the tablets must be taken in one dose before breakfast.
Taking this remedy for more than 2 weeks is strictly prohibited. After completing the course, you need to take vitamin complexes, or it is better to start taking such products simultaneously with activated carbon, maintaining an interval of at least 2 hours.
There is another way to use this drug for weight loss, which involves dividing the required dosage into several doses. In this case, the essence remains the same, the number of tablets taken gradually increases, but the number of doses in this case should be at least 3 times a day.
Another important point of this method is how activated carbon works depending on the method and time of application. For the best effect, it is recommended to take the drug no later than 60 minutes before meals. The standard course of therapy is 10 days. If there is a need to take coal again, you can resume the course after 7-10 days.
Activated carbon masks
It turns out that activated carbon can be used not only internally, but also externally! Masks that contain it cleanse the skin by absorbing harmful substances through the pores in the skin, thereby improving its condition. And in addition, they absorb various pathogens, which are often sources of acne.
Natural age-related changes in cells are also slowed down, due to improved liver and kidney function, and to some extent the body is rejuvenated.
Cleansing mask
Grind 8 tablets of activated carbon into a fine powder and pour in 50 ml of boiled warm water, squeeze out a teaspoon of aloe juice and stir. Apply the mixture to your face in a thin layer and leave for half an hour, then rinse off the mask with warm water and apply moisturizer to your face. Do the mask every other day for 2 weeks and you will see the result
Mask with activated carbon and gelatin - recipe
№1. This mask is suitable for oily skin. Grind 8 tablets of coal into a fine powder, add 1 tbsp. l. gelatin soaked in water, 2 tbsp. l. cosmetic clay, add 1-2 tablespoons of boiled water, a few drops of lemon essential oil, stir and keep in a water bath for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Apply the mask to previously cleansed facial skin for 15 minutes, then rinse. Apply the mask after 3 days - only 5 times.
№2. Another recipe for a mask with gelatin. It will help those who have black spots on their face, correctly called comedones. Grind 2 tablets of coal into a fine powder, add 1 tbsp. l. gelatin and 2 tbsp. l. milk. Mix everything and place in a water bath for a few minutes until the mixture melts, stirring constantly. The finished mask should stretch. You can melt the gelatin in the microwave by turning on the oven for 10 seconds, and then stir the mixture thoroughly.
While the mask is cooling, steam your face over hot water under a towel or by placing a towel on your face, soaked in hot water and wrung out. Apply the cooled mask to problem areas of the face with a special brush or fingers, leaving the eye area free from the mask and not touching the hair.
Experts recommend applying several layers of the mask, each layer applied after the previous one has dried. Carefully remove the mask after 15-10 minutes; it should be noted that the procedure is painful. And another recommendation from experts: masks are applied once a week 6 times. A repeat course can be carried out no earlier than six months later.
It turns out that you can whiten your teeth using activated carbon.
How to do this, watch in this video. Dear readers, today you learned how to take activated charcoal to cleanse the body, as well as for our beauty. It turns out that there are so many benefits in this inexpensive product that you simply must have it in your first aid kit, and for what purpose - I explained in the article “Activated carbon in the first aid kit. For what?" Follow the link and read. But remember that you cannot take it for a long time and uncontrollably!
Contraindications and overdose
Before resorting to treatment with activated carbon, it is necessary to find out whether a person has any contraindications to its use. This drug is prohibited for use in cases of hypovitaminosis, bleeding and malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
The drug is contraindicated in the presence of ulcerative lesions in the stomach or intestines, ulcerative colitis, acute and chronic pancreatitis. This is explained by the fact that coal tends to color feces black. The same effect is observed with intestinal bleeding of various etiologies. However, activated charcoal can confuse a person by masking bleeding. As a result, time for providing first aid to the patient will be lost.
Overdose
The listed contraindications do not apply to sorbents of other origins, such as Enterosgel, Polysorb.
Another contraindication to the use of any preparations based on activated carbon is the presence of individual intolerance caused by hypersensitivity to certain components.
An overdose of this drug in most cases manifests itself in the form of dyspeptic disorders and an allergic reaction. Such symptoms usually disappear after discontinuation of the drug and the use of appropriate therapy.
Using the product for a long time can provoke a decrease in the level of hormones and vitamins, as well as other substances necessary for the normal functioning of the body, which in turn requires medical intervention.
Indications for use of activated carbon
This drug is prescribed for:
- various intoxications during the processes of putrefaction, fermentation, flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhea, increased stomach acidity;
- poisoning with low-quality food, medications, salts of heavy metals;
- intestinal infections (salmonellosis, dysentery);
- renal failure, liver cirrhosis, acute and chronic gastritis;
- allergic diseases (urticaria, bronchial asthma, atomic dermatitis, Quincke's edema, allergies of any origin);
- metabolic disorders;
- various poisonings (alcoholic, psychotropic, narcotic);
- preparation for endoscopic or x-ray examination of the intestine.
Does activated carbon remove toxins and waste from the body and blood?
We have already mentioned this more than once. It is worth paying special attention to this issue. We all know that every person’s body gets rid of waste (containing toxins) through: sweat, feces, urine. By normalizing the water balance, we will help ourselves.
As an enterosorbent, activated carbon acts like a brush, cleaning the stomach and intestines of all “deposits” that an unarmed body could not cope with. Now imagine for a moment! Some blood cells are formed in the intestines. This means that the condition of all other organs where blood delivers oxygen depends on the normal functioning of this organ.
How to properly store adsorbent
In order for the medicine to bring only benefits when used, it must be stored correctly:
- Purchase in limited quantities and store on the door of the refrigerator, in a tight bag or container.
- Do not keep activated carbon near volatile substances that can evaporate.
- Tablets should be stored only in the original package and together with instructions for use.
If the tablets or capsules are only a few months out of date, they can be safely taken to treat intestinal disorders and poisoning. In other cases, it is better to play it safe and buy a more recent medication.
When the activated carbon that is in the home medicine cabinet is long expired, then only the person can decide whether to drink it or not. It will not do any harm, but it may also be of little benefit .
Activated carbon is the most popular and accessible absorbent, which is why it is widely used in the treatment of poisoning in children and adults. The low cost of the product often becomes the reason that it is purchased for future use, without thinking about the established shelf life of the medicine. Is it possible to take activated carbon internally after its shelf life has expired and what could be the risk?
In essence, it should be noted that the shelf life of drugs such as activated carbon is a very relative concept. The substance is an inorganic compound, the same as sand, salt or stones, which means it cannot deteriorate. Even after several years, after the agreed storage period, the coal will remain just coal and, when consumed, will not cause complications or a negative reaction in the body.
However, it is better not to use expired activated carbon. The thing is that over time it can lose all its beneficial properties and will be absolutely useless if poisoned. As a rule, this occurs when storage conditions are violated, if the integrity of the drug’s packaging is damaged or if the product was in a damp place. Coal perfectly absorbs moisture and various microelements from the air, which ultimately leads to a decrease in its absorbent properties.
The ability of activated carbon to absorb harmful substances from the body has been known for a long time, so for digestive problems it has been actively used for many years. Due to the cheapness of the drug, it was purchased for future use, and it could be stored at home for years. But the question of whether it’s possible to drink expired activated carbon has, of course, an unambiguous answer.
For other medications, the expiration date means the loss of all valuable qualities, the possibility of decomposition into harmful components and harm to health. The situation with activated carbon is slightly different: it consists of an inorganic compound, mainly consisting of carbon-containing components (sand, salt, stones). If it does not come into contact with moisture, absorbing it, then its shelf life is a very relative concept.
This drug is recognized as one of the safest for the body, which can be taken by everyone without exception, it is drunk - 1 t. per 10 kg of weight.
The drug can be used for the following diseases
– in case of disruption of digestive processes;
– if you suspect cholera, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, dysentery;
– with alcohol abuse (for a hangover);
– for allergic reactions.
If the drug’s expiration date has long expired, you must decide for yourself whether you can drink expired activated carbon. It is, of course, harmless, but it is unlikely to bring the benefit that a person expects.
What is this substance
Activated carbon is produced from a wide variety of organic materials containing carbon. The material for our usual medicine can be charcoal, petroleum or coal coke, apricot kernels, walnut or coconut shells.
From a chemical point of view, this substance consists of 88-97% carbon, the rest is hydrogen, sulfur, nitrogen, oxygen, etc. The closest relative of coal in terms of chemical composition is graphite, including the one used in ordinary pencils.
Activated carbon is “activated” due to the huge number of pores, which in turn are formed during special processing. Thanks to this, it is able to absorb various pollutants and toxins and then retain them on its surface. Such substances are called sorbents. I have already talked about one very interesting sorbent - bentonite clay.
Composition and types of activated carbon
Activated carbon is a universal drug that is widely used in medicine, the chemical and medicinal industries. Filters containing it are used in many water purification devices because they even remove chlorine. It is a porous substance extracted from carbon-containing materials of organic origin.
In the age of modern technology, raw materials are separated from the flame or special heating methods are used. To achieve the necessary activation, the coal was placed in a closed clay pot. A heat treatment process took place, consisting in the absence of direct contact with fire.
The composition does not include charcoal in its pure form. According to new methods, adapted material is used:
Coconut shell.
- Fruit seeds.
- Charcoal.
- Silicone gel.
- Organic elements.
The raw material has a large specific surface area per unit of mass, and therefore has a high adsorption capacity. Experts know how to make activated carbon useful and of high quality. With the help of special processing, a large percentage of microcracks are obtained. Achieve a content of more than 100 pores per gram.
Modified raw materials are obtained from nitrogen-containing substances and polymers by treating coal with reagents. The substance comes into contact with chlorine, bromine, fluorine. The composition is described by the chemical formula of activated carbon.
When finished, it looks like a granule measuring 1 mm. After the technological process, fine-grained dust remains with absorbent properties. The next stage is briquetting and pressing, which improves the properties for use. The substance in powder form is used to filter and purify water. A popular form of coal in the pharmaceutical industry is in the form of tablets. Many people have no idea what activated carbon tablets are made from.
Raw materials processed at high temperatures become porous carbon with many microscopic crevices, which fills the voids with any materials. Greater absorbency determines its importance. The small granules are pressed into a round shape.
Is activated carbon harmful - reviews from doctors
Many people think that if activated carbon is an organic preparation that contains only natural ingredients, then it can be used uncontrolled. Is it so? Of course not! All drugs have side effects and contraindications.
We talked a little about what problems an exaggerated dose of coal can bring into our lives. But what do the doctors say? They advise adhering to this norm. And at the same time, it is important that a person with a specific problem does not self-medicate. Even activated carbon that you have known since childhood can harm or help yourself if you do not follow certain rules.
Do you know what the first rule is, why we need doctors? Each person’s body reacts to medications in its own way, taking into account physiology, genetics and what diseases we already “own”. This means that observation and consultation with a doctor will not be superfluous. Perhaps someone can undergo a course of cleansing with charcoal in 14 days, but for you (you personally) – only 6-7! Therefore, it is worth contacting a specialist for detailed research: what and in what quantity we can use.
The principle of action of the tablets
The main properties of coal are not only the collection of toxic substances, but also the absorption of beneficial microelements from the body. The known form of release is used for food intoxication, poisoning, and diarrhea.
The medicinal component contains the following substances:
- activated carbon;
- starch;
- "black salt"
Read also Compatibility of No-shpa with alcohol before and after a hangover
The presence of the latter is an additional source of microelements. Not all forms of tablets are made with the same composition, so you need to check with your pharmacist. The active substance is activated carbon. Its function is determined by its ability to combine raw energy without changing its chemical nature.
Due to its structure, coal becomes weightless and 1 gram of the substance contains 1 thousand or more microcracks. It solders the active properties of alkaloids, toxins, barbiturates. Has little effect on acids, alkaline compounds, iron salts, cyanides, methanol.
Contraindications
It is important not only to know how to take activated carbon, but also to whom this drug is not recommended. So, before drinking this remedy, pregnant women, as well as persons undergoing treatment for any disease, should consult a doctor. After all, activated carbon slows down the absorption of other medications, which can reduce their effectiveness.
As for strict contraindications, this drug cannot be used if the patient has ulcerative processes in the intestines and stomach, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as if there is an individual intolerance to it.
Side effects
Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation or diarrhea.
It is important to remember them and be sure to follow them:
- The place is dry and cool, without bright sunlight, outright frost or high humidity.
- The optimal storage location is an airtight container in the refrigerator (closer to the shelf farthest from the freezer).
- The storage area should not be accessible to children, animals or rodents.
- Do not keep opened packaging near volatile substances.
There are many different substances in the refrigerator, the molecules of which are absorbed by activated carbon. Therefore, in addition to paper pharmacy packaging, it is worth choosing an airtight container for it.
Properly stored charcoal will help quickly cope with the consequences of poisoning, remove toxins and reduce the likelihood of intestinal damage.
Before and after opening the package
How long does it last without packaging? The shelf life of activated carbon produced in the form of tablets is 2 years , the shelf life is at least 3 years, although even after this period it will not cause harm. But this only applies to tablets that do not come into contact with air.
When storing coal outside the packaging, it interacts with the environment and gradually loses its adsorbing and absorbent properties, therefore such coal has a reduced shelf life of 6 months.
After its expiration, coal will not cause harm , but no tangible benefits can be expected from it.
Use while drinking alcohol
Charcoal can neutralize the ethanol present in alcohol and also remove it from the body naturally.
Activated carbon is considered a very popular sorbent for getting rid of the consequences of alcoholism, despite other drugs.
If you drink 4 tablets of carbon 3-4 hours before drinking alcohol , and then a couple of additional hours later, the carbon will neutralize the alcohol and reduce the effect of alcohol on the liver.
Fatty foods will help the effect of charcoal.
To remove a hangover, you also need to use activated charcoal. You will need one dose of medicine at the rate of 1 piece per 10 kg. The stomach must be emptied before taking the adsorbent, otherwise the result will not be necessary.
It should not be combined with other drugs, as a strong chemical reaction will occur that will cause allergies.
Activated carbon helps in the fight against the consequences of alcohol abuse , while simultaneously cleansing the body and liver of harmful substances. Drinking charcoal does not give you the right to assume that alcohol does not harm the body, it just softens symptoms.
Storage recommendations
In order for coal to retain its properties literally forever, it will need to be provided with the correct storage conditions. It is important to remember them and be sure to follow them:
- The place is dry and cool, without bright sunlight, outright frost or high humidity.
- The optimal storage location is an airtight container in the refrigerator (closer to the shelf farthest from the freezer).
- The storage area should not be accessible to children, animals or rodents.
- Do not keep opened packaging near volatile substances.
There are many different substances in the refrigerator, the molecules of which are absorbed by activated carbon. Therefore, in addition to paper pharmacy packaging, it is worth choosing an airtight container for it.
Properly stored charcoal will help quickly cope with the consequences of poisoning, remove toxins and reduce the likelihood of intestinal damage. Therefore, you should not neglect the storage conditions of a simple and cheap, but such an irreplaceable sorbent.
- Shelf life: 3 years
- Shelf life: 3 years
- Shelf life in the refrigerator: 3 years
- Freezer life: not specified
Activated carbon is a proven product that has unique properties of destroying harmful substances that enter our body along with drinks and food.
Currently, activated carbon is used to cleanse the body of toxins and waste. Activated carbon is a sorbent that absorbs substances that have a smaller molecular structure. It is absolutely harmless.
Activated carbon has a porous structure because it is made from materials that contain carbon. Such materials include charcoal and coal coke. Due to the fact that the tablet is porous, the drug is more effective, which is why the name is activated.
Activated charcoal can help with food poisoning as it removes harmful substances that enter the body with bad food. Therefore, the drug is an indispensable assistant on various trips. Because of its properties, activated carbon can even cope with pathogenic bacteria that have entered the body, taking all the harm from these bacteria onto itself.
For medicinal purposes, the drug can be taken from two to four tablets at once, but the next dose of tablets should be no earlier than two hours later. Since the drug does not kill the intestinal microflora, as antibiotics do, for example, and is not addictive, it can be taken until the symptoms of poisoning pass. Activated carbon can also be used for excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Before drinking alcohol, you need to take one tablet per ten kilograms of weight, with plenty of still water. The shelf life of activated carbon tablets is 3 years.
Activated carbon is a simple and cheap adsorbent for the body.
It is present in almost any first aid kit. But many people use this drug quite rarely and therefore, sooner or later, they may find that the shelf life of activated carbon has expired when the need to use this drug arose. How to be in this case?
Effect of the drug
How do carbon tablets affect the human body? The instructions accompanying this product state that it is an antidiarrheal, detoxifying and adsorbing drug with high surface activity. After taking this medication, substances bind to the human body that reduce surface energy without any changes in their chemical nature.
According to experts, carbon tablets sorb a number of compounds such as barbiturates, alkaloids, gases, salicylates, glycosides, toxins and heavy metal salts. Doctors say that under the influence of this drug, the absorption of the listed substances in the gastrointestinal tract is significantly reduced, and their elimination from the body along with feces is also simplified.
Use of the drug for chronic and allergic diseases
For chronic diseases and allergies, this remedy is not used as often as for poisoning. How to take activated carbon in these cases? Usually, for such diseases, the optimal dose is determined by the doctor individually. The standard course of treatment looks like this: from two to four tablets of the drug three to four times a day for a period not exceeding two weeks. After therapy based on activated carbon, as a rule, restorative therapy is also prescribed, which involves taking vitamin-mineral complexes and probiotics.
Instructions for use
A standard of activated carbon is available in every home. Since childhood, parents offered a black pill for any poisoning or stomach discomfort. This universal and natural drug has a different range of actions.
Versatile use
Coal is used in medicine, chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.
The sorbent perfectly removes organic compounds and unpleasant odors in the aquarium. It is used to purify alcohol, vodka, in the production of sugar, and in other food industries. It is important to know how to dose the drug correctly for a positive result. Coal obtained by pyrolysis from wood (tablets sold in pharmacies) is suitable for purifying moonshine. There is a negative characteristic - foreign impurities in the form of starch, which as a result can disrupt and change the taste of the drink, adding bitterness.
Natural enterosorbent, when consumed simultaneously with alcohol, will prevent the absorption of alcohol compounds into the blood. 10 minutes before the feast, it is recommended to take a dosage in accordance with body weight. Taking the tablets in the morning will help relieve a hangover by neutralizing harmful substances.
Carbon filters are used in many drinking water purification devices. A classic example where the properties of coal are used is associated with its use in personal respiratory protection equipment.
The active substance has an enterosorbing, detoxifying, and antidiarrheal effect. Belongs to the group of antidotes, adsorbs poisons and toxins from the stomach and intestines before absorption. Active as a sorbent during hemoperfusion. Shows little effect on acid, alkali, salt. Does not irritate mucous membranes, acting gently.
Read also: Polysorb for children: indications and dosage
Purpose of the medicine:
- Intoxication.
- Dyspepsia.
- Processes of fermentation and putrefaction in the intestines.
- Heartburn.
- Diarrhea, gastritis, flatulence, food poisoning, dysentery, salmonellosis.
- Kidney failure.
- Different types of hepatitis, cirrhosis.
- Atopic dermatitis, allergy.
- Bronchial asthma.
The drug is non-toxic. Food masses located in the stomach require the intake of activated carbon in large doses. In some cases, the tablets are taken for several days. Reduces the effectiveness of medications taken that act on the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. In case of intoxication, the stomach and intestines are filled excessively before washing.
Dosage for adults and children
The tablets contain 250 mg of coal and potato starch. The drug is taken one hour before or after meals. You can use another method by diluting the tablet in 100 ml of water. The dosage for an adult reaches 1-2 grams 3-4 times a day. The maximum daily intake is 8 g.
If the amount of carbon was not enough, then the adsorbing, cleansing effect will be weaker. Can be applied to affected areas of the body in the form of local applications. This will help speed up wound healing. The amount of undigested food in the stomach delays the cleansing process. It is necessary to increase the dose of the drug. On average, 1 tablet is required per 10 kg of weight.
In the acute stage, treatment lasts up to 5 days. For allergies and diseases, the course is two weeks. Re-prescribe after a similar period of time only with the permission of the doctor. For flatulence and dyspepsia, the dosage is 1-2 grams 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is one week. During rotting and fermentation, the dosage for an adult is 30 g per day (three times, 10 g at each dose).
Pregnant and nursing mothers can take activated charcoal. In order to lose weight for 10 days, take 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight three times a day before meals.
In children under one year of age, a common problem is dysbiosis, accompanied by bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and colic. After birth, the baby's gastrointestinal tract is sterile. Upon contact with the outside world, various bacteria, including pathogenic ones, colonize. Regular consumption of coal suspension can lead to a lack of essential substances, which will affect the development of the child. Therefore, pediatricians prescribe special modern drugs that have a gentle effect.
The sorbent should be given in emergency situations, when the stomach increases in volume, the child becomes restless, and there is no opportunity to give other drugs. Sometimes when breastfeeding, it is recommended that the mother take charcoal to reduce colic.
Not every child can chew or swallow a tablet, so the charcoal is crushed and diluted with water. Instead of the standard one, you can use white charcoal. Children under 7 years of age during fermentation and rotting of food deposits are prescribed 5 grams three times a day. For older people - 7 grams. The course of treatment is up to two weeks. The modern pharmaceutical industry has made life easier for parents and created liquid activated carbon.
Read also Lethal dose of sleeping pills for humans
In case of acute poisoning, the stomach is washed with a 20% aqueous suspension and 30 g of sorbent is prescribed orally. For the next three days, give the child 1 g per kilogram of weight per day. If a person takes a crushed tablet, the effect will occur within 20 minutes. In general condition - up to an hour. Take charcoal with a glass of water.
Allergic reactions are treated comprehensively. An important stage of recovery is cleansing the body. The drug reduces slagging and restores blood. The best option would be half the daily dose taken on an empty stomach, and the second part before bedtime. To prevent allergies, take 2-4 times a year. Duration 1.5 months.
The sorbent cleanses the intestines and helps overcome constipation. It is enough to take 2-4 tablets. For comprehensive cleansing of the body, charcoal is used twice every day. One tablet is needed per 10 kg of weight. The course lasts a month. It is important to follow a diet: drink water and eliminate fats. Meals should be light. Black tablets can remove plaque from tooth enamel. Natural abrasive dissolves dark deposits.
Treatment of acne caused by digestive disorders is effectively carried out with activated carbon. The tablets are taken orally in a standard dosage depending on body weight. Masks also have a beneficial effect on the skin. A cheap and affordable product rejuvenates the face, reduces oiliness and removes blackheads.
Comparison with analogues
On the pharmacy market there are groups of products with the same type of sorbing action. Other drugs have advantages over coal. For example, “Smecta” is a sorbent with a wide range of actions. It is approved for use by infants, and the instructions for charcoal say that the tablets are prescribed from the age of three. “Smecta” does not remove beneficial substances from the body. “Polysorb”, “Enterosgel” and others have a similar effect.
Activated carbon - tablets that are available in every first aid kit. This is a unique over-the-counter drug for any occasion. In addition to its cleansing and detoxifying effect, it is a good teeth whitener. Adherents of natural cosmetics create mascara based on it. The drug adsorbs not only harmful and toxic substances from the body, but also takes with it useful microelements and vitamins. Uncontrolled use can cause harm to the body.
What happens if you take an expired drug?
If a person drinks expired activated carbon, there will be no harm to the body. This medicine does not break down into harmful components during storage. If the medicine was stored correctly, then, despite the expiration date, it will be able to bind and remove toxins from the body. If stored incorrectly, activated carbon will simply be digested by the stomach and released naturally.
When the expiration date of the adsorbent has expired and there is no pharmacy nearby, then it is quite possible to use such tablets as first aid. It definitely won’t make things worse from taking this drug.
