A Complication of a Frequent Procedure That is Uncommon but Can Be Fatal: Activated Charcoal Aspiration

Activated charcoal, is an effective, inexpensive, and safe gastrointestinal absorbant that is used in several intoxications.It is applied following stomach lavage by the oral route or gastric catheter.Generally, activated charcoal is admininstered in a water solution or cathartically pre-mixed with sorbitol. 1Contra-indications for the use of activated charcoal are airway not under control, if caustic or corrosive substances have been ingested, or if there is paralytic or mechanical ileus and endoscopy is to be applied.In literature, the aspiration of activated charcoal has been associated with pneumonia, pleural empyema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumomediastinum and death.