Which is a contraindication to activated charcoal?

Which is a contraindication to activated charcoal?

• A. Ingestion of caustic/corrosives/petroleum
• B. Hypertension
• C. Regular hydration
• D. Mild infection

Answer: (A)

Activated charcoal can bind many toxins in the gut and limit absorption if given soon after ingestion, but it is not used when someone has ingested caustic substances or petroleum products. The reason is twofold: caustics can cause severe chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach, and charcoal won’t prevent or treat that injury and can mask symptoms, making evaluation harder. Hydrocarbons, like certain petroleum products, pose a high risk of aspiration into the lungs; giving charcoal in these cases can worsen respiratory injury and offers little to no benefit. For these reasons, ingestion of caustic/corrosive substances or petroleum products is a contraindication to activated charcoal. The other scenarios listed—hypertension, regular hydration, or mild infection—do not by themselves prevent charcoal administration.

Activated charcoal can bind many toxins in the gut and limit absorption if given soon after ingestion, but it is not used when someone has ingested caustic substances or petroleum products. The reason is twofold: caustics can cause severe chemical burns to the esophagus and stomach, and charcoal won’t prevent or treat that injury and can mask symptoms, making evaluation harder. Hydrocarbons, like certain petroleum products, pose a high risk of aspiration into the lungs; giving charcoal in these cases can worsen respiratory injury and offers little to no benefit. For these reasons, ingestion of caustic/corrosive substances or petroleum products is a contraindication to activated charcoal. The other scenarios listed—hypertension, regular hydration, or mild infection—do not by themselves prevent charcoal administration.