Actidose/Sorbitol

Generic name: Activated Charcoal Liquid [ CHAR-kole-AK-tiv-ay-ted ]
Brand names: Actidose-Aqua, Actidose/Sorbitol, Char-Flo with Sorbitol, EZ Char, Kerr Insta-Char, Kerr Insta-Char in Sorbitol
Drug classes: Antidotes, Miscellaneous GI agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 10, 2023.

Uses of Actidose/Sorbitol:

• It is used to treat some poisonings.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Actidose/Sorbitol?

• If you have an allergy to charcoal or any other part of Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid).
• If you are allergic to Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid); any part of Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If the patient is not fully awake.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Actidose/Sorbitol?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid) while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Actidose/Sorbitol) best taken?

Use Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Follow what your doctor has told you to do.
• Shake well before use.
• This medicine is used to treat some poisonings. After taking Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid), get medical care right away. Be ready to tell why you took Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid) (what substance was taken, how much, and when it happened).

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

Related/similar drugs

simethicone, polyethylene glycol 3350 with electrolytes, Mylanta, GoLYTELY, Activated Charcoal, aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide / simethicone, GaviLyte-G, Alka-Seltzer Original, GaviLyte-C

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What are some other side effects of Actidose/Sorbitol?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Actidose/Sorbitol?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Actidose/Sorbitol (activated charcoal liquid), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer