Abstract:
Background. Although activated charcoal is widely used for the treatment of self-poisoning, its effectiveness is unknown. An important
consideration is patient compliance since poor compliance will limit effectiveness. We aimed to describe compliance in a randomized
controlled trial (RCT) performed in Sri Lanka, presuming that this would set the upper limits for compliance in routine clinical use.
Method. 1,103 patients randomized to single or multiple (six doses q4h) 50 g doses of superactivated charcoal were prospectively
observed. Charcoal was given by study doctors who recorded the amount ingested and the amount of persuasion required for the patients
to drink the charcoal. Results. 559 patients were randomized to receive one dose and 544 to receive six doses. Data was available for
1,071 (97%) patients. Eighty-eight were unable to complete their course; 98 required a NG tube, leaving 885 patients that received the
first dose by mouth. The mean estimated amount of the prescribed dose of charcoal taken orally as a single or first dose was 83% (95%
C.I. 82–84%). For patients receiving multiple doses, this amount fell over the next five doses to 66% (63–69%). While only 3.2% of
patients refused the first dose, 12.3% refused the sixth. Relatively less persuasion was required for patients ingesting the first or single
dose; 38% of patients required intense persuasion by the sixth dose. Conclusion. Compliance for a single dose of superactivated
charcoal among trial patients was good. However, even in the ideal circumstances of a RCT, compliance decreased thereafter for patients
taking more than one dose.
