Effect of Activated Charcoal on the Absorption of Amiodarone

Abstract

1 The ability of activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of amiodarone was studied in 18 healthy volunteers, divided into three groups of six subjects.

2 All subjects were administered a single dose of 400 mg amiodarone; one group ingested the drug with water only (control) and the second with 25 g of activated charcoal as a water suspension. The subjects in the third group were given 25 g of charcoal immediately after the 1.5 h blood sample.

3 The extent of amiodarone absorption was reduced by about 98% by simultaneously administered charcoal (P < 0.001); taking charcoal 1.5 h after amiodarone still resulted in a 50% reduction in amiodarone bioavailability (P < 0.05).

4 These results indicate that activated charcoal should be effective in preventing amiodarone absorption in acute poisoning.