GASTRIDE Capsule 10’s

Activated Charcoal

Activated Charcoal (Food Grade)

Activated Charcoal is highly processed carbon with small or negligible sized pores created, by design, to increase surface area in order to allow for the adsorption process. Different from regular charcoal, medicinal-grade crosses an activation process whereby it must be heated at high temperatures after allowing activation agent entrance. This process creates this mass internal tunnel-network of "traps" interceding by binding onto these toxins and chemicals in the gut, thereby preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. It is a classic treatment in emergency toxicology and a well-known remedy for acute colitis.

Therapeutic Uses & Benefits

Emergency Treatment for External Decontamination: Helps trap, before they enter the systemic circulation, toxic substances entering the gut from drugs and specific oral poisoning.

Antiflatulent: Reduces bloating by binding excessive gas in digestive tract.

Cholesterol: Some trials have proposed that charcoal can bind to bile acids and cholesterol in the gut, thus reducing the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).

Kidney: It may help in the removal of undigested toxins and urea, especially useful in case of chronic kidney disease.

Water: Special filters intended to eliminate heavy metals as well as fluoride from drinking water.

The Product Details

Form(s): It is marketed as Cap, Tab, and Pow.

Only Active Ingredient: X USP/IP grade Activated Carbon.

Action: Adsorbent (remember, not absorbent).

Trade Names: Charcoal 250 mg, Gastone, Carbactive.

How to Use

Gas/Bloating: Dose 500 to 1000 mg of charcoal at least an hour before a meal that causes them with a glass of water.

Emergencies: Must be given with close medical supervision. Dosages must be calculated according to the patient's weight. For adults, a dose typically ranges from 25 g to 100 g.

Hydration: Remember to drink lots of water along with your charcoal to prevent constipation.

Safety Information

Drug Interactions: Activated charcoal "catches" things so effectively that regular medications may not be absorbed into your body. Take charcoal either two hours before or after other medications.

Black Stool: The black color of the stools when taking this medication is entirely normal and is no cause for worry.

Absolute Contraindications: This should not be used when there is a bowel obstruction, a case of sluggish motility within the gut, or when the ingestion of something highly corrosive had taken place, such as lye or strong acid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can activated charcoal alleviate alcohol hangovers?

Activated charcoal is provided as a cure-all for the hangover, however, it does not actually work to absorb alcohol (ethanol); consequently, if an alcohol hangover is a concern, activated charcoal can actually benefit in removing other toxins obtained when the ethanol is consumed with those other substances aggravating stomach issues.

Q: It is said that this "Activated Carbon" is the very same as the coal we use for grilling.

No, never consume charcoal used for cooking purposes for it has toxic additives and chemicals. Hence, only products labelled as "Medicinal Grade" or "Activated Charcoal USP" are to be used.

Q: Its reaction with contraceptive pills?

Yes, activated charcoal is an adsorbent, and it can bind with the hormones in contraceptive pills, thus making them ineffective. Therefore, in case you are taking charcoal, always use an alternative birth control method at this time.

Q: Can I use it for teeth whitening?

Indeed, one could use charcoal tooth powder as a method for lifting surface stains, as many people resort to using it—but the powder is also abrasive. Using more than necessary might disintegrate tooth enamel. So, always see a dentist before using it in place of a regular dental product.

Q: How long does it actually stay in your system?

Activated charcoal is never absorbed by your body. It stays inside the digestive tract for a certain unspecified period of time, and it will walk out through the back door of your anus, while carrying various toxins along the way.

Expert Storing Tips

Keep it in a tightly closed container in a dry area. Activated charcoal is very efficient in alleviating moisture and odors from the air, which in case it might lose some of its medicinal powers when left exposed.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for educational purposes. If there is any suspected poisoning or overdose incident, immediately contact an emergency service or poison control center.

Simethicone

Simethicone, often prescribed as oral drops, chewable tablets, or capsules to relieve gas and pain, has almost become an accepted default anti-foaming agent for dyspepsia. Simethicone is actually an inert material that works to relieve its issues in physical ways without entering the general circulation and hence it is safe enough for children. Simethicone is usually available singly or in a tablet combined with an antacid for indigestion and heartburn.

UseTherapeutic Uses
Relieves Bloating: Quickly eases the bloated sensation of fullness and pressure in the stomach
Manages Flatulence: Assists in easy escape of the air, thereby reducing trapping of intestinal wind
Infantile Colic: Pediatric drops are often used to soothe babies with gas-induced distress
Preparation for Diagnosis: Occasionally used to clear out the gas shadow from the gastrointestinal tract before endoscopic or radiographic investigations

Mechanism of Action
All in all, simethicone lowers the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines.
Coalescence: This phenomenon brings together the small bubbles caught inside the larger ones.
Evacuation: These larger bubbles become more manageable for the body to excrete either by belching or burping.
Note: Simethicone does not prevent gas from forming but makes it easier to exit from the body.

Dosage & Administration
Adults: Generally, 40-125 mg should be taken four times a day or the dosage should be given as needed.
Children: Dosage used in infants is normally weight-based. Use the medicine dropper provided with the drug.
Timing: It is better to take simethicone after meals and at bedtime.
Form: The chewable tablets need to be thoroughly chewed before swallowing; liquids must be shaken prior to usage

Safety Profile & Side Effects
Since simethicone does not enter the bloodstream, its side effects are almost nonexistent, leading to a good safety profile.
Use of Common Side Effects: Infrequent record of diarrhea or nausea. Consult your physician if you experience any signs of allergy.

Prep & Warnings
Interactions: Simethicone could potentially reduce the uptake of indifferent thyroid medicaments (Levothyroxine) while being taken. Keep four hours in between the two.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: It ought to be fine, as it is not leaked into the general circulation, but do ask the doctor.
Underlying/Minor Ailments: If they bother people for more than two weeks or get worse, sidle close to a gastroenterologist.

FAQs
Q: Can Simethicone be an antacid?
No; simethicone is, in fact, an antiflatulent. While the combination of antacids and simethicone (such as magnesium hydroxide) available sell them as "2-in-1," they do not, in fact, work to neutralize stomach acid. It is working to break down the gas bubbles.

Q: When does simethicone usually begin to work?
You will typically feel relief in 15 to 30 minutes, as the gas bubbles begin to move through and break up in the digestive tract.

Q: Can I give simethicone to my newborn?
Yes, actually simethicone is quite often given to colicky babies. Just make sure you use only the infant-strength (drops) and administer as per pediatrician's instructions.

Q: Can simethicone be taken every day?
You can use it daily as needed; however, always discuss with your doctor if you need it every day for more than two weeks, to rule out chronic conditions like IBS or food intolerances.

Q: Does simethicone cause constipation?
No, simethicone doesn't usually induce constipation. Should you experience an alteration of your bowel habits, it could be the other ingredients and/or any existing components present within the formula that promote bowel habit alterations, so talk with your doctor about simethicone or the composition of the pharmaceutical preparation.

Storage
Store at room temperature ($20\text{°C}$ to $25\text{°C}$). Keep bottled products away from dampness and heat. Always keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Disclaimer: These facts are only for educational purposes and not a piece of actual medical advice. Always go through the label or see your physician before using the product.