Gastrointestinal decontamination in poisoning

Core concept

Single-dose activated charcoal - adsorbs many drugs in the gut lumen, preventing absorption - most benefit if given within 1 hour of ingestion
Whole bowel irrigation (polyethylene glycol) - mechanically flushes the GI tract - used for agents charcoal doesn't bind, or sustained/modified-release preparations
Gastric lavage - now rarely used, no proven mortality/outcome benefit, reserved for exceptional cases (very recent, life-threatening ingestion, no antidote available)

3 more sections, plus exam facts

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