Effect of oral activated charcoal on tobramycin clearance

To evaluate the effect of activated charcoal on aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics, six healthy volunteers received tobramycin intravenously with and without multiple oral doses of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal did not have a statistically significant effect on any pharmacokinetic parameter. We conclude that activated charcoal does not enhance tobramycin clearance in subjects with normal renal function when concentrations in serum are within the therapeutic range.