In-vivo comparison of the adsorption capacity of "superactive charcoal" and fructose with activated charcoal and fructose.

This study was undertaken to assess the in-vivo capacity of two activated charcoal products to adsorb aspirin after its ingestion by seven healthy volunteers. The two products, Norit-A and Super-Sorb, were combined with fructose solution and administered after the subjects ingested 975 mg of aspirin. Urinary excretion of salicylates was measured during both charcoal administration phases and after ingestion of aspirin alone in all subjects. Results showed statistically significant differences in salicylate excretion between all phases. Super-Sorb ("superactive charcoal") adsorbed almost twice (1.7) as much as aspirin as the regular activated charcoal, Norit-A. Super-Sorb therefore has a greater in-vivo adsorption capacity for aspirin and should be a more effective antidote in poisonings with this drug.