ExoticRx · exoticrx.com/drugs/activated-charcoal
US brand names:ToxiBan, Actidose-Aqua
Activated Charcoal is dosed at 1–2 g/kg PO once via crop tube in african grey parrots, per Wismer T. Advancements in diagnosis and management of toxicologic problems. In: Speer B, eds. Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery; Elsevier, St. Louis, MO; 2016:589-599. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4557-4671-2.00027-6 — Verified against Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary, 6th Ed, p.468 (2026-08-01). — Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary 6th ed, Table 5.9 (Agents Used in the Treatment of Toxicologic Conditions of Birds). The copy held is an ebook conversion with no printed page numbers, so the table — not the page — is the citable location. — SOURCE EDITION: Carpenter's Exotic Animal Formulary — ISBN 9780323833929, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9780323833929; Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery — ISBN 9781455746712, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781455746712. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Highly porous carbon that adsorbs toxins in GI tract preventing systemic absorption. Efficacy highest within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
Do NOT use for caustic/corrosive ingestion, petroleum products, or iron/lithium/ethanol (not adsorbed). Aspiration pneumonia risk with vomiting patients. Black stools expected.
Species references:All African Grey Parrot drugsAll Cat (Domestic) drugsAll Dog (Domestic) drugsAll Ferret drugsAll Guinea Pig drugsAll Rabbit (Domestic) drugs
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| Species | Route | Dose | Frequency | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 g/kg | once (may repeat half dose q6-8h) | Strong | DeClementi C. Chapter 82 - Prevention and Treatment of Poisoning. In: Academic Press; 2018:1141-1159. — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.269 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.240, Charcoal, Activated monograph spanning p.240-242; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, https://openlibrary.org/isbn/9781394172207 |
| Cat (Domestic) | PO | 1–2 g/kg | once | Strong | Lee JA. Emergency management and treatment of the poisoned small animal patient. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2013;43(4):757-771. Distributed by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2013.03.010 — Verified against Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, 10th Ed, p.269 (2026-08-01). — Plumb's 10th ed (held) printed p.240, Charcoal, Activated monograph spanning p.240-242; page located 2026-08-05 from the book's own running heads, verified to name the drug in its body text. — SOURCE EDITION: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — ISBN 9781394172207, |
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