Activated charcoal is a substance often given to patients after oral overdose to absorb poisonous substances from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Which of the following ingestions can be safely and effectively treated with orally administered activated charcoal?

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Activated charcoal is a black granular mass or fine powder made from burned wood and administered as a slurry to patients who have overdosed on organic chemicals. Inorganic metals, like ferrous sulfate and lithium carbonate, are not well absorbed by charcoal. Ingestion of caustic agents, like lye (a strong base), are contraindications to the use of activated charcoal. Organic compounds like amitriptyline are safely and effectively absorbed from the GI tract by charcoal.

Activated Charcoal Is a Substance Often Given to Patients After