Charcoaid

Generic Name

Charcoal.

Brand Names

Actidose-Aqua, Charcoaid, Charcoal Plus DS, Charcocaps, Insta-Char, Liqui-Char.

General Information

Charcoaid is used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, and indigestion. Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at the first sign of discomfort. The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Charcoaid is also used to relieve itching associated with kidney dialysis treatment and to treat overdoses of other medicines. Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could become dangerous. Charcoal is not effective in treating overdoses of petroleum products (such as gasoline, kerosene, or many cleaning products) and may make diagnosing and treating the overdose more difficult. It is also not effective for cyanide, alcohols, engine coolants, mineral acids, alkalai's or bases, or iron overdoses.

Charcoaid Dosage

The dose of Charcoaid will be different for different patients.
For adults and teenagers - Dose is usually 50 to 100 grams of activated charcoal given one time.
For children 1 through 12 years of age - Dose is usually 25 to 50 grams of activated charcoal given one time.
Children up to 1 year of age - Use is not recommended.

Side Effects of Charcoaid

The following side effects of Charcoaid may includes:

Diarrhea.
Pain or swelling in stomach.
Vomiting.
Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Unusually dry or loose skin.
Constipation.

Warning and precautions before taking Charcoaid

Do not take charcoal with any other medicine.
Do not take charcoal if diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever.
Do not used charcoal to treat a child younger than 3 years of age.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products.
Do not take more than 4.16 grams of charcoal in a day.
Do not eat or drink dairy products within two hours of a dose of charcoal.

Overdosage

An overdose with this medication is unlikely to occur.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.