Network of pores present in activated charcoal adsorbs 100-1000 mg of drug per gram of charcoal. Does not dissolve in water. For maximum effect, administer within 30 min of ingesting poison. Pregnancy C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. Inhibits destruction of acetylcholine by acetylcholinesterase, which facilitates transmission of impulses across myoneural junction.
Repeat doses based on patient's response.
Symptoms usually develop within 6 hours but may be delayed for 12 hours. Symptoms may last several days, even in nonlethal ingestions. One report suggests that prognosis is good if the patient survives the first 24 hours. Tetrodotoxin ingestion presents several medical and legal issues. Tetrodotoxin poisoning is a public health issue and mandates a report to the department of public health if the ingestion was related to toxic levels of TTX in food.