Liqui-Char with Sorbitol Side Effects

Please note - some side effects for Liqui-Char with Sorbitol may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/ or 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).

Side Effects by Body System

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have frequently included nausea and vomiting (13% to 30%) and constipation. Bowel obstruction, ileus, chalk-like taste, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent charcoal peritoneum, diarrhea, and black colored stools have also been reported.

A young woman developed a surgically acute abdomen following orogastric lavage and charcoal administration. Laparotomy revealed charcoal throughout the peritoneum. Complications included peritonitis, adhesions, abscess formation, persistent peritoneal charcoal deposits, oophorectomy, and small bowel resection.

A case of a charcoal bezoar and small bowel obstruction following administration of 30 to 60 grams of activated charcoal via nasogastric tube every 4 to 6 hours for 5 days has been reported.

In a study of 275 patients, 18-years-old or younger, 20.4% (56/275) experienced vomiting within < 1 to 120 minutes (mean of 10 minutes) following enteral administration of 1 g/kg (no more than 50 g) of activated charcoal for acute poison ingestion. The following risk factors for vomiting were identified: nausea, a vomiting occurrence prior to charcoal ingestion, presence of signs or symptoms of poisoning (exclusive of nausea &/or vomiting), age > 12 years, administration by nasogastric or orogastric tube, and ingestion of emetogenic drug or chemical. Charcoal with sorbitol solution did not appear to significantly increase the risk of vomiting.

Bowel obstruction and ileus have occurred with multiple dose administration.

Although charcoal is tasteless, it adheres to the surfaces of the mouth and tongue, producing a chalk-like taste which can be unpalatable.

Ocular

Corneal abrasions may occur if charcoal comes in contact with eyes.

Ocular side effects have included corneal abrasions.

Metabolic

Metabolic side effects result primarily from the sorbitol and have included electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, and shock.

Respiratory

Bronchiolitis obliterans and empyema have occurred due to charcoal aspiration following emesis.

Accidental administration of charcoal directly into the lungs has resulted in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Respiratory side effects have included bronchiolitis obliterans, empyema, and Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

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