Effect of activated charcoal on diethylcarbamazine absorption in humans

Am J Ther. 2001 Jan-Feb;8(1):7-9. doi: 10.1097/00045391-200101000-00003.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of the oral binder-activated charcoal on the excretion of diethylcarbamazine. Six healthy volunteers were given 150 mg diethylcarbamazine with 350 mL water each. One and 2 weeks later, they received 150 mg diethylcarbamazine plus 7.5 and 15 g activated charcoal, respectively, in 350 mL water as a charcoal slurry. Urinary levels of diethylcarbamazine were measured spectrophotometrically from 1 to 72 hours after ingestion in three different periods. Treatment with activated charcoal led to 5.4% urinary recovery of diethylcarbamazine, decreased excretion rate, and a much lower plateau indicator of reduced absorption. Activated charcoal reduces the absorption and urinary excretion rate of diethylcarbamazine by adsorbing it in the gastrointestinal tract.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Charcoal / pharmacology*
  • Diethylcarbamazine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Diethylcarbamazine / urine
  • Digestive System / drug effects
  • Filaricides / pharmacokinetics*
  • Filaricides / urine
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Filaricides
  • Charcoal
  • Diethylcarbamazine