Activated charcoal adsorbs many chemicals and drugs in the upper GI tract thereby preventing or reducing their absorption. The efficacy of activated charcoal depends on how quickly it is given and the poisonous substance ingested.
The sooner activated charcoal is given after a drug or chemical is swallowed, the better it works. Activated charcoal can be given to birds orally with a dosing syringe, an eyedropper, or lavage tube, although with extreme caution as to avoid aspiration.
Activated charcoal should NOT be given if any of the following are involved:
- Acid and alkalis/corrosive substances
- Cyanide
- Ethanol/methanol/glycols
- Eucalyptus and Essential Oils
- Fluoride
- Hydrocarbons
- Heavy metals - Lead, Zinc, etc.
- Mineral acids - Boric acid
Storage/Stability: Store activated charcoal in well-closed glass or metal containers or in the manufacturer’s supplied container.
Note: Separate by at least 3 hours administration of any other orally administered therapeutic agents from the charcoal dose. Charcoal should not be administered with dairy products or mineral oil as the adsorptive properties of the charcoal will be diminished.
Toxicity: The oral LD50 value in rats is 15400mg/kg.
