Carbon black (N220): a possible role in poison management

The adsorptive capacities of locally produced carbon black (N220) and activated charcoal in the management of poisoning due to some locally used drugs were investigated. Adsorption of metronidazole and tinidazole to carbon black (CB) and activated charcoal (AC) was completed within 30 min of incubation and was found to be dependent on the quantities used CB-B50 for metronidazole and tinidazole were 132.7 and 112.2 mg while AC-B50 for the two drugs were 254.7 and 125.9 mg, respectively. In the in-vivo study, 20 mg/kg of chloroquine given orally, then followed with 1.6 g/kg of either CB or AC by the same route, gave optimal protection against death in mice. The mortality rate decreased as the amount of adsorbents increased. We suggest that carbon black may be beneficial when properly handled and adequately administered during overdosage or accidental poisoning by metronidazole, tinidazole, or chloroquine.