Question: Which electrolyte abnormalities have been posited to be associated with the use of multiple dose activated charcoal?
Answer: One study of 878 patients who received multiple dose activated charcoal reported “Hypernatremia (peak serum sodium >145 mEq/L [145 mmol/L]) was documented in 53 (6.0%; 95% CI 4.4% to 7.6%) patients, of whom 5 (0.6%; 95% CI 0.1% to 1.1%) had a serum sodium concentration of greater than 155 mEq/L (155 mmol/L). Hypermagnesemia (peak serum magnesium >2.5 mg/dL [1.0 mmol/L]) was documented in 27 (3.1%; 95% CI 2.0% to 4.2%) patients, of whom 3 (0.3%; 95% CI 0.1% to 1.0%) had peak values that were greater than 3.75 mg/dL (1.5 mmol/L).” (Dorrington CL et al. The frequency of complications associated with the use of multiple-dose activated charcoal. 2003 Ann Emerg Med. 41:370-377)