When Does Removal of Poison Begin?
Removing poison from the body only happens after the patient’s vital signs like breathing and heart rate are stable. Safety comes first.
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Removing Poison from the Stomach
- Doctors weigh the risks and benefits before trying to empty the stomach. This depends on the type of poison, how much was swallowed, and the risk of choking or breathing it into the lungs.
- Do not try to make yourself vomit. This can be dangerous.
- Gastric lavage (a medical procedure to wash out the stomach) might be done if you arrive at the hospital within 2 hours of swallowing the poison. For certain poisons like aspirin or some medicines, it may be useful up to 4 to 6 hours later.
- Gastric lavage is usually done only at the hospital and not before.
- It is not done if the patient is sleepy or unconscious, or if the poison is corrosive (like acid) or petroleum-based (like paraffin).
Preventing Poison Absorption and Helping the Body Get Rid of It
- Activated charcoal is a common medicine used to bind many poisons inside the stomach so the body absorbs less of it.
- The sooner charcoal is given after poisoning, the better it works. It can still help if given within 2 hours, or longer for special medicines that release slowly.
- Charcoal is not used if:
- The patient is very sleepy or unconscious
- The patient comes too late after poisoning
- The poison is corrosive or petroleum-based
- The poison is not absorbed by charcoal (like metals, alcohol)
- There is a blockage in the intestines
- Activated charcoal is safe and especially helpful for poisons that are harmful even in small amounts, such as some antidepressants.
How Is Activated Charcoal Given?
- Adults usually get about 50 grams of activated charcoal mixed into water.
- Children get a smaller dose based on their weight.
- If swallowing is difficult, charcoal can be given through a tube inserted into the stomach.
- Sometimes, repeated doses are given every 4 hours for certain poisons like aspirin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital.
- If the patient vomits after taking charcoal, this can make it less effective, so doctors may adjust the dose or timing.
