What is the shelf life of activated carbon? Is it possible to take expired activated carbon? There are two methods of losing weight using charcoal

General characteristics of the drug

Activated carbon is a medicine of natural origin.
This substance has a porous structure and is extracted from various carbon-containing materials - wood, nut shells and some fruit seeds. The sorbent is obtained at high temperature; the active substance is carbon.

The healing properties directly depend on the presence of an active double bond on the surface of the tablets. The drug has many pores, which provide a good adsorbing effect.

Store in a dry place, away from substances and materials that emit vapors and gases. The expiration date is indicated on the packaging.

Is it possible to drink expired activated carbon?

Activated carbon is a fairly cheap adsorbent that is used to treat patients of all age groups. It promotes the binding of toxic substances in the body and their gentle removal .
This drug is inexpensive, so many families stock it for future use; it is stored in the home medicine cabinet for several years.

But when asked whether it is possible to drink expired activated carbon, doctors give an ambiguous answer.

General characteristics of the drug

Activated carbon is a natural medicine.

This substance has a porous structure and is extracted from various carbon-containing materials - wood, nut shells and some fruit seeds. The sorbent is obtained at high temperature; the active substance is carbon.

The healing properties directly depend on the presence of an active double bond on the surface of the tablets. The drug has many pores, which provide a good adsorbing effect.

The effect of the drug on the body

The effect of the medication on the body begins almost instantly after taking it orally . It helps remove all contaminants from the liquid by binding them to its particles.

Adsorption occurs from the moment when toxic substances begin to penetrate into tissues. The drug does not remove toxic substances that have already been absorbed into the bloodstream.

But the toxins that the stomach and intestines contain are absorbed.

Activated carbon adsorbs on its surface not only toxic substances, but also vitamins, minerals and beneficial substances. Therefore, it must be used with great caution.

Shelf life of the adsorbent

Basically, the shelf life of activated carbon in tablets is two years , which is written on the packaging. The medicine is characterized by high hygroscopicity, so it must be stored in a dry place and without compromising the integrity of the blister. The shelf life of the drug will be unlimited if it is stored in a dry, ventilated area in the original packaging.

In fact, the shelf life of activated carbon is not only two years; it can be stored for a long time if certain conditions are met . Adsorption characteristics will appear until a chemical reaction occurs between coal, water and air.

Your home medicine cabinet needs to be periodically reviewed and expired medications replaced!

What happens if you take an expired drug?

If a person drinks expired activated carbon, there will be no harm to the body . This medicine does not break down into harmful components during storage.

If the medicine was stored correctly, then, despite the expiration date, it will be able to bind and remove toxins from the body.

If stored incorrectly, activated carbon will simply be digested by the stomach and released naturally.

When the expiration date of the adsorbent has expired and there is no pharmacy nearby, then it is quite possible to use such tablets as first aid. It definitely won’t make things worse from taking this drug.

Is it possible to be poisoned by expired activated carbon?

It is very difficult to be poisoned by expired adsorbent. This can only happen if an abnormal number of tablets are eaten .

There will be no poisoning as such; simply due to the leaching of nutrients and vitamins from the body, the person will experience weakness, dizziness and mild nausea.

In this case, it does not matter at all whether coal has a certain shelf life or not. Abuse of both normal and expired activated carbon will lead to deterioration in health.

How to properly store adsorbent

In order for the medicine to bring only benefits when used, it must be stored correctly:

Purchase in limited quantities and store on the door of the refrigerator, in a tight bag or container.
Do not keep activated carbon near volatile substances that can evaporate.
Tablets should be stored only in the original package and together with instructions for use.

If the tablets or capsules are only a few months out of date, they can be safely taken to treat intestinal disorders and poisoning. In other cases, it is better to play it safe and buy a more recent medication.

When the activated carbon that is in the home medicine cabinet is long expired, then only the person can decide whether to drink it or not. It will not do any harm, but it may also be of little benefit .

Source: https://otravlenye.ru/pomosh/sorbenty/mozhno-li-prinimat-prosrochennyj-aktivirovannyj-ugol.html

Side effects

Reduces the effectiveness of simultaneously taken drugs, reduces the effectiveness of drugs acting on the gastrointestinal mucosa (including ipecac and thermopsis).

The effect of the medication on the body begins almost instantly after taking it orally. It helps remove all contaminants from the liquid by binding them to its particles. Adsorption occurs from the moment when toxic substances begin to penetrate into tissues. The drug does not remove toxic substances that have already been absorbed into the bloodstream. But the toxins that the stomach and intestines contain are absorbed.

Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation or diarrhea. With long-term use - hypovitaminosis, decreased absorption of nutrients (fats, proteins) and drugs from the gastrointestinal tract.

What happens if you take an expired drug?

If a person drinks expired activated carbon, there will be no harm to the body. This medicine does not break down into harmful components during storage. If the medicine was stored correctly, then, despite the expiration date, it will be able to bind and remove toxins from the body. If stored incorrectly, activated carbon will simply be digested by the stomach and released naturally.

Is it possible to be poisoned by expired activated carbon?

It is very difficult to be poisoned by expired adsorbent. This can only happen if an abnormal number of tablets are eaten.

There will be no poisoning as such; simply due to the leaching of nutrients and vitamins from the body, the person will experience weakness, dizziness and mild nausea.

In this case, it does not matter at all whether coal has a certain shelf life or not. Abuse of both normal and expired activated carbon will lead to deterioration in health.

Shelf life of the adsorbent

In this case, it does not matter at all whether coal has a certain shelf life or not. Abuse of both normal and expired activated carbon will lead to deterioration in health.

In order for the medicine to bring only benefits when used, it must be stored correctly:

Purchase in limited quantities and store on the door of the refrigerator, in a tight bag or container.
Do not keep activated carbon near volatile substances that can evaporate.
Tablets should be stored only in the original package and together with instructions for use.

If the tablets or capsules are only a few months out of date, they can be safely taken to treat intestinal disorders and poisoning.

Activated carbon should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or direct access to air.
Storage temperature - from 5 to 23°C. The packaging must be placed at least 1 meter from heat sources (for example, radiators).
Activated charcoal can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is best to use an airtight container as the charcoal can absorb surrounding odors.

Activated carbon should not be placed in the freezer.

The presence of charcoal in a home medicine cabinet with odorous and volatile substances, for example, iodine, can lead to the gradual accumulation of these substances in the charcoal.

When storing in the refrigerator, it is necessary to seal the activated carbon or hide it in a plastic tray to protect it from moisture and foreign odors.

If you drink expired Activated Carbon, there will be no death, but such a drug will not bring any benefit. As stated above, the drug during storage can absorb moisture and other chemical compounds, which will reduce or completely exhaust its beneficial properties and absorption capabilities. After the period of 3 years, it does not need to be taken.

Tablets cost pennies, so there is no need to take risks and take expired tablets when necessary.

When is it worth cleaning? To get the maximum effect, you should choose fresh charcoal; over time, the product loses its properties and, moreover, expired tablets are poorly crushed.

Drink Polysorb). It will remove all the toxins that are poisoning your body, and you don’t have to worry.

3 years.

Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.

Basically, the shelf life of activated carbon in tablets is two years, which is written on the packaging. The medicine is characterized by high hygroscopicity, so it must be stored in a dry place and without compromising the integrity of the blister. The shelf life of the drug will be unlimited if it is stored in a dry, ventilated area in the original packaging.

In fact, the shelf life of activated carbon is not only two years; it can be stored for a long time if certain conditions are met. Adsorption characteristics will appear until a chemical reaction occurs between coal, water and air.

The shelf life of pharmaceutical activated carbon sold in paper packaging is two years. This information is given on the coal packaging itself. In fact, if you provide it with the right storage conditions at home, it can lie there almost forever without losing its unique properties.

Properties of activated carbon

Best before date	2 years
Shelf life	from 3 years or more, only subject to storage rules
Properties	absorption of other microelements, protection of the intestines from toxins
Storage conditions	store in a dry place in sealed packaging

The substance should be stored in a tightly closed dark glass container. In light, peroxide easily decomposes. The formal period of use is 24 months, however, the product may lose its activity before the specified period. If when the substance gets on the wound, hissing occurs and bubbles appear, the substance has not lost its antiseptic properties. Otherwise, there will be no effect from using hydrogen peroxide.

Oils should be kept in a dark place at temperatures up to 15 degrees Celsius. Pharmacists advise placing bottles in a vertical position. The standard shelf life of essential oil is 2 years. If the products are obtained by steam distillation, they can be stored for a long time. The less oil remains at the bottom of the opened bottle, the faster it deteriorates.

Numerous reviews from patients who have undergone treatment with Activated Carbon indicate that this drug in the vast majority of cases is well tolerated and does not have side effects if the dosage recommended by the doctor is followed.

However, you should know that in rare cases, complaints about negative reactions from the body that have developed while taking Activated Carbon are still received. According to reviews, they most often manifest themselves as constipation or diarrhea, which stop after stopping the medication or prescribing symptomatic treatment.

Long-term use of the drug may impair the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the development of hypovitaminosis. Such conditions require drug correction.

Does activated carbon have an expiration date? Activated carbon itself can be stored forever, since before becoming a medicine, it lay under the earth's surface for millions of years.

However, due to the fact that Russian legislation defines a mandatory procedure for setting expiration dates for medicines, activated carbon also has one.

Over time, the medication loses its enterosorption qualities.

A product such as activated carbon is present in all home first aid kits. It can be stored for years and we completely forget to update our “arsenal”, throw away expired medications and replace them with fresh ones. On the packaging and in the instructions, the manufacturer indicates information about the storage conditions and shelf life of the drug; activated carbon is no exception.

Shelf life of activated carbon: what?

Despite the fact that most of us keep the drug in our medicine cabinet for years, we still recommend periodically reviewing it and replacing expired products with fresh ones.

How does the expiration date affect the properties of the drug? In the case of activated carbon, its properties may decrease over time, but only slightly. For the effectiveness of the product to decrease, you must store it for several years (or even several decades).

What is the shelf life of activated carbon? If you go by GOST, the shelf life of the sorbent is 3 years from the date of production. The production date is indicated on the packaging.

If the drug is stored longer, it does not pose a health hazard. The only risk is a decrease in its effectiveness.

Storage conditions for activated carbon

In addition to information about the expiration date, pay attention to compliance with the storage conditions of the drug. Store the product in a dry, dark place, preferably cool. If you have already opened the blister with a tablet, but do not intend to use it, throw away the drug, as it deteriorates when in contact with oxygen.

Another point to pay attention to is the humidity level in the room. High humidity negatively affects the properties of coal. The optimal temperature range is from +5 to +25 degrees.

Check out our article How to cleanse your body with activated charcoal

Do not store the drug package near heat sources (for example, radiators).

Can activated carbon be stored in the refrigerator? Yes, you can.

What to do if activated carbon has expired?

It is not necessary to throw away the medicine, as it still retains its properties. Of course, it’s better to update your first aid kit, and besides, coal costs a penny. But if you have an emergency and need to take a sorbent, but have nothing else at hand, drink activated carbon that has expired. Is it possible to get poisoned by the drug? No, if you take it in the dosage indicated in the instructions.

The shelf life of activated carbon is 3 years, but even after it has expired, you can use the drug in cases where you need emergency help and are not able to go to the pharmacy. But to avoid such situations, we advise you to regularly review your first aid kit and throw away old medications, replacing them with new ones.

Men's website Mensweekly.ru

Contraindications to the use of Activated Carbon

It is impossible to be poisoned by expired activated carbon, even if its expiration date has long expired. In the worst case, it simply will not bring any benefit to the body.

However, if coal was stored unprotected in the vicinity of volatile substances, the drug could “absorb” them and, if consumed, these substances could theoretically cause harm to the body.

Another situation in which charcoal can be harmful is when it is abused when a huge number of pills are taken.

In this case, the absorption of nutrients and medications is reduced.

However, this applies to a lesser extent to activated carbon with an expired shelf life, since the enterosorption properties are reduced.

Activated carbon is a universal enterosorbent that every person should have in their home medicine cabinet.

Provided that it is properly stored, this drug can be stored almost forever and in any case should not cause harm to the human body.

dyspepsia, flatulence, processes of putrefaction, fermentation, hypersecretion of mucus, hydrochloric acid, gastric juice, diarrhea, gastritis;

poisoning with alkaloids, glycosides, salts of heavy metals, organophosphorus and organochlorine compounds, psychoactive drugs;

food intoxication, food poisoning, dysentery, salmonellosis;

burn disease in the stage of toxemia and septicotoxemia;

renal failure, chronic hepatitis, acute viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, chronic cholecystitis, enterocolitis, cholecystopancreatitis, metabolic disorders;

allergic diseases - atopic dermatitis, bronchial asthma;

alcohol withdrawal syndrome;

intoxication in cancer patients during radiation and chemotherapy;

preparation for x-ray and endoscopic examinations (to reduce the content of gases in the intestines).

hypersensitivity;

ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract (including gastric and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis), bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;

simultaneous administration of antitoxic drugs, the effect of which develops after absorption (including methionine);

children's age (up to 3 years).

There have been no studies on the safety and effectiveness of the use of activated carbon in pregnant and nursing mothers. The drug can be used only if the significance of the effect for the mother outweighs the risk of side effects in the fetus or child.

Inside. 1–2 hours before or after meals and taking other medications. The average dose is 0.1–0.2 g/kg/day (in 3 divided doses). Duration of treatment is 3–14 days; if necessary, a second course is possible after 2 weeks.

For dyspepsia, flatulence - 1-2 g 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 3–7 days.

For diseases accompanied by fermentation and putrefaction processes in the intestines, increased secretion of gastric juice

Adults - 10 g 3 times a day. Course duration is 1–2 weeks.

Children from 3 to 7 years old - 5 g 3 times a day, 7-14 years old - 7 g 3 times a day per dose. Course duration is 3–15 days.

Activated carbon is prescribed in the following cases:

flatulence and bloating in children and adults;

violation of digestive functions;

overeating, excessive consumption of fatty, spicy, salty foods;

food or chemical poisoning.

As an auxiliary drug, AU is prescribed for acute or chronic forms of hepatitis. This is a liver disease that is inflammatory and infectious in nature. During this period, the liver cannot fully perform its functions and fully filter the blood. Activated carbon does part of the “work” so that toxic substances and excess fats are not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, charcoal tablets are widely used in home medicine and cosmetology to cleanse the skin of impurities, fats, acne, acne, and teenage skin changes.

You should not take the drug in the following cases:

hypersensitivity to the components of the composition;
stomach ulcer and internal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract;
poisoning with tranquilizers, psychotropic and narcotic substances;
intestinal atony.

It is also forbidden to drink expired Activated Carbon and use tablets if they are stored incorrectly or the cell in the blister is damaged. They have a porous structure and the ability to absorb poisons, fats and other substances in the air or near coal. They are absorbed into the tablet, accumulate there, and then enter the body.

As a rule, taking Activated Carbon is practically harmless to the human body, while the most common contraindications to the use of this drug are:

hypersensitivity (individual intolerance to the main active ingredient of this drug);
bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

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Inside. 1-2 hours before or after meals and taking other medications. The average dose is 0.1-0.2 g/kg/day (in 3 doses). The duration of treatment is 3-14 days, if necessary, a second course is possible after 2 weeks.

For dyspepsia, flatulence - 1-2 g 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 3-7 days.

Adults – 10 g 3 times a day. Course duration is 1-2 weeks.

Children from 3 to 7 years old - 5 g 3 times a day, 7-14 years old - 7 g 3 times a day per dose. Course duration is 3-15 days.

Can using expired product cause harm?

It is impossible to be poisoned by expired activated carbon , even if its expiration date has long expired. In the worst case, it simply will not bring any benefit to the body.

However, if coal was stored unprotected in the vicinity of volatile substances, the drug could “absorb” them and, if consumed, these substances could theoretically cause harm to the body.

Another situation in which charcoal can be harmful is when is abused when a huge number of pills are taken.

In this case, the absorption of nutrients and medications is reduced.

However, this applies to a lesser extent to activated carbon that has expired, since its enterosorption properties are reduced .

Activated carbon is a universal enterosorbent that every person should have in their home medicine cabinet.

Provided that it is properly stored, this drug can be stored almost forever and in any case should not cause harm to the human body.

Read about the expiration date of toothpaste here.

You can learn about how to use

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Activated carbon that has been left for a long time without any packaging at all is also better not to use.

Composition and release form

What is the medicine made from?

Activated carbon as a medicinal product is made from organic carbon-containing materials:

coal coke obtained by coking coal;
charcoal;
petroleum coke and other materials.

The resulting raw material is subjected to activation, that is, the opening of pores by exposure to chemicals or physical exposure to steam at temperatures up to 800°C and subsequent oxidation.

The resulting activated carbon has a large number of pores and, therefore, an increased specific surface area. Thanks to these qualities, activated carbon has found its use in medicine as an adsorbent and detoxifying agent.

Activated carbon is offered in various forms: tablets, granules, capsules, powders and pastes.

Side effects

Gastrointestinal disorders: constipation or diarrhea. With long-term use - hypovitaminosis, decreased absorption of nutrients (fats, proteins) and drugs from the gastrointestinal tract.

Interaction

For dyspepsia, flatulence - 1-2 g 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment is 3–7 days.

Adults - 10 g 3 times a day. Course duration is 1–2 weeks.

Children from 3 to 7 years old - 5 g 3 times a day, 7-14 years old - 7 g 3 times a day per dose. Course duration is 3–15 days.

Activated carbon is available in the form of black tablets, in packages (blisters) of 10 pcs. The main active ingredient in the composition is activated carbon, which is a natural product obtained from charcoal and coal coke. Potato starch acts as an auxiliary component. Coal has filtering properties and absorbs all harmful components. In order not to cause harm to the body, you must comply with storage periods.

special instructions

When treating intoxication, it is necessary to create an excess of carbon in the stomach (before gastric lavage) and intestines (after gastric lavage). Reducing the concentration of carbon in the medium promotes the desorption of the bound substance and its absorption (to prevent the absorption of the released substance, repeated gastric lavage and administration of carbon are recommended).

The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires use in high doses, because the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by carbon and its activity decreases. If poisoning is caused by substances involved in the enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), charcoal must be used for several days. Colors stool dark.

It is recommended to store in a dry place, away from substances that release gases or vapors into the atmosphere. Storage in air (especially humid) reduces sorption capacity.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery. It doesn't.

In order not to harm your health, before taking the drug you should read the instructions and special instructions from the manufacturer:

it is important to ensure the integrity of the packaging and proper storage of the drug;
It is not recommended to take expired Activated Carbon;
you need to follow the dosage so as not to cause a lack of nutrients in the body;
To increase the effectiveness of the medicine, it is first recommended to cleanse the stomach with vomiting and an enema.

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

A02.9 Salmonella infection, unspecified
A05.9 Bacterial food poisoning, unspecified
A09 Diarrhea and gastroenteritis of presumably infectious origin (dysentery, bacterial diarrhea)
B19 Viral hepatitis, unspecified
E88.9 Metabolic disorder, unspecified
F10.3 Withdrawal state
J45 Asthma
K29.7 Gastritis, unspecified
K30 Dyspepsia
K31.8.2* Hyperacidity of gastric juice
K59.1 Functional diarrhea
K73.9 Chronic hepatitis, unspecified
K74.6 Other and unspecified cirrhosis of the liver
K81.1 Chronic cholecystitis
K86.8.2* Cholecystopancreatitis
K94* Diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases
L20 Atopic dermatitis
N19 Renal failure, unspecified
R14 Flatulence and related conditions
T30 Thermal and chemical burns of unspecified location
T43 Poisoning with psychotropic drugs, not elsewhere classified
T46.0 Poisoning with cardiac glycosides and similar drugs
T50.9.0* Alkaloid poisoning
T53 Toxic effects of halogenated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons
T56.9 Toxic effect of unspecified metal
T60.0 Toxic effects of organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides
Z51.0 Radiotherapy course
Z51.1 Chemotherapy for neoplasm

Is it possible to take expired pills?

If you drink expired Activated Carbon, there will be no death, but such a drug will not bring any benefit. As stated above, the drug during storage can absorb moisture and other chemical compounds, which will reduce or completely exhaust its beneficial properties and absorption capabilities. After the period of 3 years, it does not need to be taken.

Tablets cost pennies, so there is no need to take risks and take expired tablets when necessary. Anyone can afford to buy them, regardless of social status.

It is difficult to determine externally that activated carbon is spoiled, since the substance is odorless and its color remains unchanged.

Therefore, you need to pay attention to the packaging; if it is damp, then the sorption properties of the drug are probably reduced.

Activated carbon that has been left for a long time without any packaging at all is also better not to use.

How long is it stored: what do GOSTs say?

To ensure that the shelf life of activated carbon does not expire, and the properties of the drug are preserved for many years, the following rules must be observed:

Activated carbon should be stored in a cool, dry place without freezing and high humidity (the freezer and the bathroom are not suitable);
the place where the drug is stored should not be exposed to sunlight;
when stored in the refrigerator, the package of activated carbon should be placed in a container or hermetically sealed bag (the drug may absorb some substances from the refrigerator and lose its properties);
in the refrigerator, the drug should not be stored in places with strong cooling;
There should be no substances that easily evaporate near the drug;
the place where the medicine is stored should not be accessible to children or rodents.

The shelf life of activated carbon, if the above conditions are met, will be literally eternal.

The current national standard today is GOST R 56357-2015 “Activated carbon AG-3. THAT".

According to this standard, the drug is guaranteed to retain its characteristics for three years from the date of production.

The most common form of release is in the form of tablets of 250 mg, placed in individual cells of packaging material of 10 pieces.

Its conditional shelf life is 2 years, which is reflected on the packaging of the medication itself.

Activated carbon in pharmacies is stored at ambient temperature, packaged in manufacturer's containers.

During storage, access to precipitation or groundwater is not allowed.

Due to the high flammability of coal, the proximity of flammable substances, heat sources or open fire is not allowed.

Is it possible to take expired activated carbon? Shelf life of activated carbon

Activated carbon is a natural medicine.

The healing properties directly depend on the presence of an active double bond on the surface of the tablets. The drug has many pores, which provide a good adsorbing effect.

Is it possible to take expired pills?

Tablets cost pennies, so there is no need to take risks and take expired tablets when necessary. Anyone can afford to buy them, regardless of social status.

special instructions

The presence of food masses in the gastrointestinal tract requires use in high doses, because the contents of the gastrointestinal tract are sorbed by carbon and its activity decreases. If poisoning is caused by substances involved in the enterohepatic circulation (cardiac glycosides, indomethacin, morphine and other opiates), charcoal must be used for several days.

Colors stool dark.

It is recommended to store in a dry place, away from substances that release gases or vapors into the atmosphere. Storage in air (especially humid) reduces sorption capacity.

Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and machinery. It doesn't.

Contraindications to the use of Activated Carbon

As a rule, taking Activated Carbon is practically harmless to the human body, while the most common contraindications to the use of this drug are:

hypersensitivity (individual intolerance to the main active ingredient of this drug);
bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
ulcer of the stomach and duodenum.

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Where is the drug stored in the pharmacy?

Activated carbon in pharmacies is stored at ambient temperature, packaged in manufacturer's containers.

During storage, access to precipitation or groundwater is not allowed.

Due to the high flammability of coal, of flammable substances, heat sources or open fire is not allowed

Does creatine have an expiration date and what is it? Read about it here.

about when to take activated carbon and when not to take it from the video:

How to store it correctly?

To ensure that the shelf life of activated carbon does not expire, and the properties of the drug are preserved for many years, the following rules must be observed:

Activated carbon should be stored in a cool, dry place without freezing and high humidity (the freezer and the bathroom are not suitable);
the place where the drug is stored should not be exposed to sunlight;
when stored in the refrigerator, the package of activated carbon should be placed in a container or hermetically sealed bag (the drug may absorb some substances from the refrigerator and lose its properties);
in the refrigerator, the drug should not be stored in places with strong cooling;
There should be no substances that easily evaporate near the drug;
the place where the medicine is stored should not be accessible to children or rodents.

The shelf life of activated carbon, if the above conditions are met, will be literally eternal.

How can you replace Activated Carbon?

If you don’t have charcoal on hand, or it’s expired, but you need to take an adsorbent, then Activated charcoal can be replaced with drugs of a similar effect.

Direct analogues are generics that are based on the same active ingredients, in this case activated carbon. The most common are the following:

Sorbex capsules have a detoxifying effect. It is also based on coal of natural origin, which absorbs all harmful substances from the digestive system.
Carbosorb in tablets (250 and 320 mg of activated carbon), which ensures the removal of fatty acids and toxic substances in the digestive system. Children under 3 years of age should not use the drug;
Carbolong powder, which is obtained by special processing of activated carbon. It is able to quickly absorb all toxins, preventing them from entering the blood plasma. At the same time, the drug increases blood circulation and accelerates the production of digestive enzymes;

Indirect similar drugs are drugs with a different composition and a different action, but they have the same effect:

Enterosgel is a broad-spectrum drug based on methyl silicic acid hydrogel. It adsorbs not only toxins, but also products that remain in the stomach and intestines as a result of incomplete metabolism. Can be used from birth, during pregnancy and lactation;
Atoxil is available in powder form and is used for gastrointestinal diseases and poisoning. It has an antimicrobial, absorbent and wound-healing effect.

It should be remembered that independent replacement of medications can lead to health problems, so it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

To summarize, it can be noted that Activated charcoal does not have an expiration date, but if you use it for medicinal purposes, then you must follow the instructions. The shelf life of pharmaceutical Activated Carbon is 3 years, and after this time it is not recommended to take tablets. It is also important to maintain the integrity of the packaging and storage rules. If side effects occur as a result of using the medicine, you should seek medical help.

Shelf life of activated carbon

The shelf life of pharmaceutical activated carbon sold in paper packaging is two years .
This information is given on the coal packaging itself. In fact, if you provide it with the right storage conditions at home, it can lie there almost forever without losing its unique properties. Properties of activated carbon

The main property of coal is the absorption of other microelements. If the packaging is broken, it will very quickly lose its properties, having absorbed many different microelements. Coal in damaged packaging “lives” less than the expiration date indicated on the packaging.

Before and after opening the package

If carbon-containing tablets are limited from contact with air, they are most often assigned a 2-year shelf life, and they will be stored for 3 years or more.

But even after these periods, using the tablets as intended will not cause harm.

If stored outside the packaging, the quality of the product is noticeably affected by environmental conditions; accordingly, such coal is characterized by a gradual loss of valuable properties.

This also affects the shelf life; as a result, it is reduced to a six-month period.

After the specified period, activated carbon will not become unfit for use, but there will be no obvious benefit or harm.

What is the shelf life of activated carbon?

Activated carbon is a simple and affordable medical product that performs the function of detoxifying and cleansing the body.

It effectively fights harmful substances that enter the body along with food and drinks, by absorbing them and then removing them from the body.

Dear readers! Our articles talk about typical ways to resolve legal issues. If you want to find out how to solve your particular problem, call the free consultation numbers:

Is there an expiration date?

Release forms are presented in the form of tablets, granules, powders, capsules, pastes.

The composition of the medication includes organic carbon-containing materials as coal or petroleum coke, charcoal, etc.

The resulting raw material with a porous structure undergoes activation, during which the pores open, increasing the specific surface area.

This quality explains the use of medical charcoal as an adsorbent/absorbent and a means of detoxification.

Coal as such can be stored indefinitely, but as a medicinal product it must
have a different shelf life (Order of the Ministry of Health No. 214 of July 16, 1997).
Read here under what conditions it is necessary to store potassium permanganate.

How long is it stored: what do GOSTs say?

The current national standard today is GOST R 56357-2015 “Activated carbon AG-3. THAT".

According to this standard, the drug is guaranteed to retain its characteristics for three years from the date of production.

The most common form of release is in the form of tablets of 250 mg, placed in individual cells of packaging material of 10 pieces .

Its conditional shelf life is 2 years, which is reflected on the packaging of the medication itself.

Before and after opening the package

If carbon-containing tablets are limited from contact with air, they are most often assigned a 2-year shelf life, and they will be stored for 3 years .

But even after these periods, using the tablets as directed will not cause harm .

From this article you will learn how long you can store paracetamol.

If stored outside the packaging, the quality of the product is noticeably affected by environmental conditions; accordingly, such coal is characterized by a gradual loss of valuable properties .

This also affects the shelf life; as a result, it is reduced to a six-month period.

After the specified period, activated carbon will not become unfit for use, but no obvious benefit or harm .

Storage in pharmacy conditions

In pharmacies, the medication is kept in packaging from the manufacturer under normal conditions, but away from sources of moisture and heat, and even more so from open fire and flammable substances in the neighborhood, since coal itself has a high degree of flammability .

Hydrogen peroxide also has a limited shelf life, find out what it is here.

in the home environment

The medication, distinguished by its unpretentiousness, is easy to maintain at home.

Here are the basic rules for such storage:

Without opening the packaging from the manufacturer, store in a dry place , protected from sunlight;

It is recommended to additionally protect the package with activated carbon using a bag or an airtight container.

We do not allow constant access of air, much less humid air;
Keep at temperature +5-23°C . The minimum distance from heat sources (for example, heating radiators) is 1 meter;
When kept in a refrigerator, a container to protect the medication from foreign odors. Temperature requirements do not allow storage in freezers;

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It is not recommended to be in proximity to strong-smelling volatile substances, in particular iodine. This applies to both opened and unopened packaging;
It is recommended to place the medication in a place inaccessible to small children and rodents .

If these requirements are met, the medication can be stored much longer than its manufacturer claims.

How to determine the suitability of a medication?

Over time, the medication loses its enterosorption qualities.

Shelf life of essential oils

In order for coal to retain its properties literally forever, it will need to be provided with the correct storage conditions. It is important to remember them and be sure to follow them:

The place is dry and cool, without bright sunlight, outright frost or high humidity.
The optimal storage location is an airtight container in the refrigerator (closer to the shelf farthest from the freezer).
The storage area should not be accessible to children, animals or rodents.
Do not keep opened packaging near volatile substances.

Properly stored charcoal will help quickly cope with the consequences of poisoning, remove toxins and reduce the likelihood of intestinal damage. Therefore, you should not neglect the storage conditions of a simple and cheap, but such an irreplaceable sorbent.

Shelf life: 3 years
Shelf life: 3 years
Shelf life in the refrigerator: 3 years
Freezer life: not specified

Activated carbon is a proven product that has unique properties of destroying harmful substances that enter our body along with drinks and food.

Currently, activated carbon is used to cleanse the body of toxins and waste. Activated carbon is a sorbent that absorbs substances that have a smaller molecular structure. It is absolutely harmless.

Activated carbon has a porous structure because it is made from materials that contain carbon. Such materials include charcoal and coal coke. Due to the fact that the tablet is porous, the drug is more effective, which is why the name is activated.

Activated charcoal can help with food poisoning as it removes harmful substances that enter the body with bad food. Therefore, the drug is an indispensable assistant on various trips. Because of its properties, activated carbon can even cope with pathogenic bacteria that have entered the body, taking all the harm from these bacteria onto itself.

For medicinal purposes, the drug can be taken from two to four tablets at once, but the next dose of tablets should be no earlier than two hours later. Since the drug does not kill the intestinal microflora, as antibiotics do, for example, and is not addictive, it can be taken until the symptoms of poisoning pass. Activated carbon can also be used for excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Before drinking alcohol, you need to take one tablet per ten kilograms of weight, with plenty of still water. The shelf life of activated carbon tablets is 3 years.

Activated carbon is a simple and cheap adsorbent for the body.

It is present in almost any first aid kit. But many people use this drug quite rarely and therefore, sooner or later, they may find that the shelf life of activated carbon has expired when the need to use this drug arose. How to be in this case?

In pharmacies, the medication is kept in packaging from the manufacturer under normal conditions, but away from sources of moisture and heat, and even more so from open fire and flammable substances in the neighborhood, since coal itself has a high degree of flammability.

In a dry place, at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Not everyone knows whether Activated Carbon has an expiration date. The product itself has no statute of limitations, because... it has been preserved in nature for hundreds of years. When it became a drug used for disorders, poisoning and diarrhea, the manufacturer specified the acceptable periods of use of the drug.

Activated carbon must be disposed of after its expiration date so that no one accidentally takes it.

In addition to meeting deadlines, it is important to comply with storage conditions. Charcoal does not like moisture or excessive heat, so it is important to store the medicine in a cool and dry place. Before using the tablets, you cannot lie or open the packaging, because Contact with oxygen causes a chemical reaction and coal loses its adsorbing properties.

A few words about the medicine

Sometimes various toxins enter our body. They can get there, for example, with any drinks or various food products. When the symptoms of poisoning become severe, people try to find a remedy to alleviate their condition. One of the medications that has no side effects and quickly relieves intoxication is activated carbon.

Most often, coal tablets are packaged in paper packets. Each of them contains at least 250 mg of active substance. Meanwhile, coal is able to absorb not only toxins, but also the bacteria that produce them. It is believed that the optimal therapeutic dose for an adult is 4 tablets. Moreover, the next dose of medication can be taken no less than 2 hours later.

Despite the fact that charcoal can absorb some bacteria, it is absolutely safe for the natural intestinal microflora. This is a clear advantage of the drug over, for example, antibiotics. In addition, pills are never addictive.

Today, quite often people use activated carbon for alcohol poisoning. Moreover, some even take pills before they are going to drink alcohol or eat a good meal that is not very healthy. In these cases, intoxication of the body is weaker or even completely absent. However, it should be remembered that for coal to function properly in the gastrointestinal tract, it should be washed down with plenty of water.

Shelf life of activated carbon

By and large, this medicine has no expiration date at all. However, the coal tablets must be stored under the best conditions. They mean the creation of minimum humidity and air temperature up to 25 degrees Celsius.

It is also worth noting that in addition to tablets, medications are available in capsules. However, their storage rules are the same. These also include:

storage separately from various easily volatile substances;
the presence of an airtight container or bag when stored in the refrigerator or cool pantry;
distance from rodents and small children.

In addition, the integrity of the original packaging affects the shelf life of the medicine. It should not be violated - the beneficial properties of coal will be lost. After all, it has high moisture absorption.

However, at home it is not always possible to create dry air and the required temperature for storing medications. Therefore, the minimum shelf life of activated carbon in tablets is no more than 3 years. The manufacturer indicates this on each pack of medicine.

Sooner or later, changes in humidity and temperature in the home can have a detrimental effect on the medicinal substance. Then the activated carbon expired. However, such a drug will not cause health problems, although it will not have its beneficial effect.

Storage conditions for the drug Activated carbon

Activated carbon is a fairly unpretentious drug that can be easily stored at home.

Coal is stored in a dry place, out of reach of sunlight. Must be stored in original containers. The package of tablets should be placed in a bag or airtight container.
Activated carbon should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or direct access to air.
Storage temperature - from 5 to 23°C. The packaging must be placed at least 1 meter from heat sources (for example, radiators).
Activated charcoal can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is best to use an airtight container as the charcoal can absorb surrounding odors. Activated carbon should not be placed in the freezer.
The presence of charcoal in a home medicine cabinet with odorous and volatile substances, for example, iodine, can lead to the gradual accumulation of these substances in the charcoal. Therefore, it is not recommended to store these medications in close proximity for a long time.
Opened packaging is stored away from sources of odor and volatile substances.
It is advisable to store coal in a place inaccessible to small children and rodents.

If these conditions are met, coal can be stored for a very long time, exceeding the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer.

How to keep it at home?

Activated carbon is a fairly unpretentious drug that can be easily stored at home.

Coal is stored in a dry place, out of reach of sunlight. Must be stored in original containers. The package of tablets should be placed in a bag or airtight container.
Activated carbon should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or direct access to air.
Storage temperature - from 5 to 23°C. The packaging must be placed at least 1 meter from heat sources (for example, radiators).
Activated charcoal can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is best to use an airtight container as the charcoal can absorb surrounding odors. Activated carbon should not be placed in the freezer.
The presence of charcoal in a home medicine cabinet with odorous and volatile substances, for example, iodine, can lead to the gradual accumulation of these substances in the charcoal. Therefore, it is not recommended to store these medications in close proximity for a long time.
Opened packaging is stored away from sources of odor and volatile substances.
It is advisable to store coal in a place inaccessible to small children and rodents.

If these conditions are met, coal can be stored for a very long time, exceeding the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer.

Coal is stored in a dry place, out of reach of sunlight. Must be stored in original containers. The package of tablets should be placed in a bag or airtight container.
Activated carbon should not be stored in conditions of high humidity or direct access to air.
Storage temperature - from 5 to 23°C. The packaging must be placed at least 1 meter from heat sources (for example, radiators).
Activated charcoal can be stored in the refrigerator, but it is best to use an airtight container as the charcoal can absorb surrounding odors. Activated carbon should not be placed in the freezer.
The presence of charcoal in a home medicine cabinet with odorous and volatile substances, for example, iodine, can lead to the gradual accumulation of these substances in the charcoal. Therefore, it is not recommended to store these medications in close proximity for a long time.
Opened packaging is stored away from sources of odor and volatile substances.
It is advisable to store coal in a place inaccessible to small children and rodents.

If these conditions are met, coal can be stored for a very long time, exceeding the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer.

Pharmacological properties of the drug

The generic has enterosorbing and antidiarrheal properties. Due to its porous structure, charcoal adsorbs poisons, toxins, and excess fats of plant and animal origin.

It is not absorbed or dissolved in any way. That is, the tablets serve as a kind of filter, which, passing through the gastrointestinal tract, absorb harmful substances and remove them with feces. When the expiration date expires, the effectiveness of the tablets may decrease.

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Currently, activated carbon is used to cleanse the body of toxins and waste. Activated carbon is a sorbent that absorbs substances that have a smaller molecular structure. It is absolutely harmless.

Activated carbon is offered in various forms: tablets, granules, capsules, powders and pastes.

Shelf life of hydrogen peroxide

Apply the prepared mixture and leave until dry (about half an hour). Remove with one gentle movement (pick up the edge of the gelatin mask with the tips of your nails and carefully remove). Wash off any remaining film with warm water.

Before you begin simple manipulations using a pharmaceutical drug at home, it is recommended to understand the qualities of the product.

Activated carbon is a fairly unpretentious drug that can be easily stored at home.

There will be no poisoning as such; simply due to the leaching of nutrients and vitamins from the body, the person will experience weakness, dizziness and mild nausea.

According to it, the guaranteed shelf life of granular activated carbon is 3 years from the date of production.

On the one hand, being in the original packaging, not in contact with the environment and not absorbing any nasty things from it - what could happen to him? Well, okay, you’re disdainful of being late, so you can use it differently. For example, filter water to perfect purity or moonshine.

I felt very bad this morning. I didn’t have the strength to get to the pharmacy - it was like walking to the Moon. I found charcoal in the medicine cabinet, but it was expired. Took it at your own risk.

How to keep it at home?

Sometimes we suddenly feel bad. And, remembering that the home (or car) first aid kit contains the necessary medicine, we open it and find that the medicine, alas, has already “run out”. The expiration date has expired. So what should we do? Throw the drug in the trash and not tempt fate?

If the drug’s expiration date has long expired, you must decide for yourself whether you can drink expired activated carbon. It is, of course, harmless, but it is unlikely to bring the benefit that a person expects.

Activated charcoal can help with food poisoning as it removes harmful substances that enter the body with bad food. Therefore, the drug is an indispensable assistant on various trips. Because of its properties, activated carbon can even cope with pathogenic bacteria that have entered the body, taking all the harm from these bacteria onto itself.

If these conditions are met, coal can be stored for a very long time, exceeding the shelf life indicated by the manufacturer.

Activated charcoal can help with food poisoning as it removes harmful substances that enter the body with bad food. Therefore, the drug is an indispensable assistant on various trips. Because of its properties, activated carbon can even cope with pathogenic bacteria that have entered the body, taking all the harm from these bacteria onto itself.

The resulting raw material with a porous structure undergoes activation, during which the pores open, increasing the specific surface area.

Does activated carbon have an expiration date?

A face mask with charcoal eliminates yellowness and pallor and returns a healthy, natural complexion. The skin “breathes” easier and its general condition improves. A homemade mask with activated carbon is recommended for facial cleansing for all skin types.

The key feature of medicinal charcoal is its ability to absorb harmful substances, poisons and various contaminants. Being included in a cosmetic mask, it frees the pores of all excess, evens out fine wrinkles, and refreshes the skin.

Activated carbon is a fairly cheap adsorbent that is used to treat patients of all age groups.

Activated carbon shelf life

Activated carbon adsorbs on its surface not only toxic substances, but also vitamins, minerals and beneficial substances. Therefore, it must be used with great caution.

When the activated carbon that is in the home medicine cabinet is long expired, then only the person can decide whether to drink it or not. It will not do any harm, but it may also be of little benefit.

This is an adsorbent and absorbs almost everything in a row - poisonous gases from the air, etc. If stored poorly (opened or in the kitchen or next to paints, etc.), then it can become expired within a few months and become poisonous.

If it does not come into contact with moisture, absorbing it, then its shelf life is a very relative concept.

People have been using activated carbon for a long time, which is famous for its ability to absorb harmful substances and remove them from the body. All this is due to the special structure of coal.

Activated carbon in pharmacies is stored at ambient temperature, packaged in manufacturer's containers.

To ensure that the shelf life of activated carbon does not expire, and the properties of the drug are preserved for many years, the following rules must be observed:

Activated carbon should be stored in a cool, dry place without freezing and high humidity (the freezer and the bathroom are not suitable);
the place where the drug is stored should not be exposed to sunlight;
when stored in the refrigerator, the package of activated carbon should be placed in a container or hermetically sealed bag (the drug may absorb some substances from the refrigerator and lose its properties);
in the refrigerator, the drug should not be stored in places with strong cooling;
There should be no substances that easily evaporate near the drug;
the place where the medicine is stored should not be accessible to children or rodents.

It is not absorbed or dissolved in any way. That is, the tablets serve as a kind of filter, which, passing through the gastrointestinal tract, absorb harmful substances and remove them with feces. When the expiration date expires, the effectiveness of the tablets may decrease.

Nothing will happen, but it is better to regularly take inventory of pharmaceutical products. Specifically, antihistamines simply lose their effectiveness and if you are very worried, give the child unexpired activated carbon at the dose indicated on the package per kg of weight.

Not only expired medications can be unfit for use, but also those that were improperly stored. In a good way, all medications should be kept in the shade and at a temperature no higher than 20 degrees (and some only in the refrigerator).

The use of activated carbon for poisoning is far from the only way. There are many others, we will tell you about each in more detail. This should be done before meals, before each meal.

When storing in the refrigerator, it is necessary to seal the activated carbon or hide it in a plastic tray to protect it from moisture and foreign odors.

The medicine is characterized by high hygroscopicity, so it must be stored in a dry place and without compromising the integrity of the blister. The shelf life of the drug will be unlimited if it is stored in a dry, ventilated area in the original packaging.

Does activated carbon have an expiration date?

Despite its simplicity, activated carbon remains one of the most effective remedies for a wide range of diseases or poisonings. We will tell you about the shelf life of activated carbon in the article.

It is recommended to additionally protect the package with activated carbon using a bag or an airtight container.

It promotes the binding of toxic substances in the body and their gentle removal. This drug is inexpensive, so many families stock it for future use; it is stored in the home medicine cabinet for several years. But when asked whether it is possible to drink expired activated carbon, doctors give an ambiguous answer.

Source: https://metta-online.ru/razdel-imushhestva/2781-ugol-aktivirovannyy-srok-godnosti-istek.html