Activated charcoal is indicated following the ingestion of which substance?

Activated charcoal is a commonly used treatment for certain types of poisoning and overdose cases due to its ability to adsorb various substances in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing their absorption into the bloodstream. Among the listed options, activated charcoal is indicated following the ingestion of ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can be harmful in excessive doses, leading to gastrointestinal issues, renal impairment, and other complications. Administering activated charcoal shortly after ibuprofen ingestion can help to mitigate these effects by reducing the amount of the drug that is absorbed by the body.

In contrast, substances like lithium, gasoline, and antifreeze are not effectively treated with activated charcoal. Lithium can cause serious complications due to its potential to increase the risk of toxicity and can lead to altered mental status and renal failure. Gasoline poses risks of aspiration and chemical pneumonia, making activated charcoal inappropriate. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is converted in the body to toxic metabolites and requires specific antidotes and supportive care rather than management with activated charcoal, which would not sufficiently prevent toxicity in this case.

Thus, activated charcoal is appropriate for ibuprofen ingestion due to its capacity to bind with the drug in the gastrointestinal tract, mitigating its harmful effects.