Activated carbon is a well-known medicine from the group of natural adsorbents. Pills are effective for various digestive problems. Other sorbents have a similar therapeutic effect. An analogue of activated carbon may vary in cost, but at the same time it will be more effective and safe. Modern detoxification drugs can be prescribed for pregnant and lactating women, as well as used in the treatment of children of all age categories.
How does activated carbon work?
The most affordable adsorbent used to cleanse the body of toxins and other harmful substances is activated carbon. The useful properties of this tool were known in ancient Egypt. The drug has a large surface activity and is able to bind toxic substances, poisons, allergens, harmful bacteria, gases. Activated carbon is especially beneficial in case of poisoning.
Small black tablets will be effective in many pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The tool will help with increased gas formation, fermentation, bloating and diarrhea. A positive effect of the adsorbent in the event of allergic reactions was noted. Activated carbon, analogues of which can be of organic and mineral origin, should not be taken simultaneously with other medicines. In addition to adsorption of harmful substances, the product removes beneficial microelements and vitamins from the body.
Can activated charcoal be given to children?
Despite the fact that activated carbon is a completely natural sorbent, it is used with caution in pediatrics. Doctors warn parents about the need to correctly calculate the dosage of the drug. For each kilogram of the baby’s weight, it is necessary to take 0.05 g of the drug. The maximum single dose is 0.2 g. For children of the first year of life, the medicine can be given in the form of a powder diluted with water.
Indications for the use of activated carbon are the following pathological conditions:
- food poisoning;
- binge eating;
- drug poisoning;
- allergic reaction (skin rash, itching, urticaria);
- poisoning by hazardous substances.
A pediatrician can choose an effective analogue of activated carbon. For younger children, “Smecta”, “Polysorb” are suitable. The drugs are available in powder form for solution preparation. Smecta has a pleasant fruity taste. Babies who are already 1 year old are prescribed Atoxil.
We select an analogue of activated carbon
Sorbents have a unique ability to isolate and remove harmful substances from the body . Moreover, the type of toxic substance does not matter. Such drugs can even absorb gases. Activated carbon is considered a universal remedy.
Analogs of the popular sorbent are developed using modern technologies. In addition to the detoxification effect, they positively affect the state of the digestive and immune systems, improve metabolic processes. Types of sorbents vary depending on the effect on harmful substances. Some adsorbents are able to change the state of toxins to solid or liquid. Drugs from the second group draw in substances that poison the body. Chemical adsorbents belong to the third category and are able to neutralize the dangerous effects of toxins due to the fact that they enter into a reaction with them.
Choosing an analogue of activated carbon, the doctor takes into account the age of the patient. Not all drugs used in the treatment of adults are suitable for children. The smallest patients are allowed to prescribe such drugs as Polysorb, Smecta, Enterosgel, Lactrofiltrum, Atoxil. In adolescence (from 14 years old) it is allowed to use “White coal”.
Atoxil for children
For intestinal disorders, diarrhea, food poisoning, salmonellosis, atopic dermatitis, children over 1 year of age are prescribed Atoxil silica. An analogue of activated carbon is considered an effective enterosorbent, which has a powerful antimicrobial, detoxification, bacteriostatic and anti-allergic effect.
The drug, unlike many sorbents, acts quickly enough due to the high dispersion of the active component. “Atoxil” refers to 4th generation enterosorbents.
It is important to properly prepare an activated carbon analog for use. The powder is intended for suspension. It can be in a bottle (10 g) or in small sachets (2 g). A large volume is intended for the treatment of adult patients. Pure water (250 ml) must be added to the vial and shaken until a homogeneous suspension is formed.
The powder in the sachets is prepared in a similar way. It is poured into a container and filled with water (250 ml). The prepared suspension for children can be given throughout the day. The maximum dose per day is 4 g of Atoxil for children under 7 years. In rare cases, side effects occur in the form of constipation.
The drug "Smecta"
Smecta powder is often used for preparing a suspension in pediatric practice. The tool is considered the safest sorbent for children of the first year of life and can help with a variety of digestive problems. The active component of the absorbent drug is smectite dioctahedral - a mixed silicate (oxide) of aluminum and magnesium of natural origin.
"Smecta" is prescribed for diarrhea of various etiologies, food poisoning, bloating in children and adults. Also, the drug is effective as part of complex therapy for gastrointestinal pathologies. The composition contains flavors (orange and vanilla).
Activated carbon analog in tablets
For the treatment of digestive disorders accompanied by dysbiosis, it is better to use sorbents with prebiotics. A popular analogue of activated carbon in tablets, which is able to normalize the state of intestinal microflora, is Lactofiltrum.
Enterosorbent contains lactulose (prebiotic) and hydrolytic lignin (organic compound). The drug can be used to treat children from 1 year.
Another effective sorbent in tablets is White Coal. The drug is prescribed for adolescents and adult patients.