ADSORPTION OF DRUGS AND POISONS BY ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

An in vitro study was performed to determine the relative adsorptivity by activated charcoal of a wide variety of drugs and poisons found in the home. Dextroamphetamine, primaquine, chlorpheniramine, colchicine, diphenylhydantoin, aspirin, iodine, phenol, and propoxyphene were very efficiently adsorbed in high concentrations. Quinacrine, meprobamate, chlorpromazine, quinine, chloroquine, quinidine, glutethimide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, and methyl salicylate are less efficiently adsorbed, and ferrous sulfate, malathion, DDT, N-methyl carbamate, and boric acid are poorly adsorbed. Minearal acids alkalis, and compounds insoluble in aqueous acidic solution, such as tolbutamide, are not adsorbed to any measurable extent. This study demonstrated that the use of activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poison ingestion is chemically sound, but further studies must be carried out to assess the efficacy of activated charcoal in vitro. © 1968.