Activated Charcoal Can Help Children with Mild Poisonings

November 17, 2024, 7:09 am | Read time: 2 minutes

Despite all precautions, almost every small child swallows something not meant for their mouth at some point. The initial shock is significant–but in cases of mild poisoning, activated charcoal can be used quickly.

The child picked ivy berries and chewed on them. Or they discovered the bottle of antifreeze, skillfully opened it, and took a small sip. In such situations, parents are understandably alarmed. It’s good if they have activated charcoal stocked in their home medicine cabinet. The organization “Das Sichere Haus (DSH)” recommends this first-aid measure for mild poisoning symptoms.

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When is it considered mild poisoning?

First, it’s important to determine which symptoms make the use of activated charcoal in children appropriate–specifically in cases of mild poisoning. This often manifests as the child appearing pale, experiencing slight nausea, feeling unwell, and being tired. In such cases, giving the child activated charcoal can provide relief. However, to be on the safe side, a follow-up check with a pediatrician is advisable despite the use of activated charcoal.

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How activated charcoal works

A small, black tablet–who isn’t familiar with it? It’s commonly used for diarrhea, and for good reason: The porous surface of activated charcoal binds bacteria and toxins, preventing them from causing harm in the body. About three to four hours later, the substances are expelled with the charcoal.

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Activated charcoal is usually sold in tablet form. For children, taking it might be challenging if they refuse to swallow the medicine. In these cases, the DSH advises parents to crush the tablets. The powder can then be mixed into a mush–for example, one made from zwieback soaked in plenty of water.

How parents can find the right dosage

What is the optimal dosage of activated charcoal for children with mild poisoning? It depends on body weight. The DSH recommends a dosage of one to two grams of activated charcoal per kilogram of body weight.

In cases of severe poisoning, indicated by severe nausea and dizziness, immediate medical help is necessary. Parents should call emergency services at 112 or take their child to the hospital or pediatrician’s office as quickly as possible.

*With material from dpa

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of FITBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@fitbook.de.