ACCIDENTAL ADMINISTRATION OF ACTIVATED-CHARCOAL INTO THE LUNG - ASPIRATION BY PROXY

We report a case of accidental activated charcoal instillation into th e lung of a 30-year-old man being managed for a cyclic antidepressant overdose. The patient was treated with multi-dose activated charcoal, and between his first and second doses, he pulled his nasogastric tube out of position. The tube was reinserted past the endotracheal tube i nto the right main-stem bronchus, and a dose of activated charcoal wit h sorbitol was administered into the lung. He subsequently developed a n adult respiratory distress syndrome but gradually improved after bro nchoscopic removal of charcoal and supportive care. He was discharged 14 days later.