The Utilization of Activated Charcoal in the Management of Anaphylaxis: A Case Series

Anaphylaxis is a sudden onset of systemic hypersensitivity caused by mast cell and basophil degranulation. Food, Hymenoptera venom, and drug allergy are among the leading causes of anaphylaxis, particularly in adults. We can consider anaphylaxis caused by swallowing food or medication as a form of poisoning. Because in anaphylaxis, just like in poisoning, an allergen entering the body poses a life-threatening risk. Therefore, the allergen should be removed from the digestive system immediately. However, the decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract is not routinely used to prevent further absorption of allergens from the intestine into the systemic circulation. Among the gastrointestinal decontamination methods is the use of activated charcoal. In this article, we present four patients who developed anaphylaxis due to drug and food intake and were administered oral activated charcoal after their primary treatment (on average, 15-45 minutes after the first presentation) was completed. The youngest of the patients was 22 years old, and the oldest was 40. No side effects, prolonged anaphylactic state, and biphasic reactions were observed in the follow-up of the patients. All patients were discharged after 48-72 hours of hospitalization. The routine approach to poisoning treatment includes patient stabilization, toxidrome recognition, antidote administration, and supportive care, as well as measures to enhance toxin elimination. In anaphylaxis caused by oral allergens, the substance that initiates the reaction can be compared to a kind of toxin. Eliminating the allergen and reducing its absorption could be achieved by administering activated charcoal. Activated charcoal should be considered adjunctive therapy in treating food and oral drug-induced anaphylaxis. This treatment, when administered in a timely manner, might prevent the development of biphasic reactions and the prolongation of the allergic process in anaphylaxis.