"Gastric emptying via emesis or lavage should be performed in patients who have ingested greater than 40-60 mg./kg. of elemental iron or an unknown amount. 1 Activated charcoal is not useful, unless there are co-ingestants, since it does not bind metals such as iron. 1 Iron tablets are radiopaque, therefore, an abdominal radiograph should be performed to determine if there is evidence of iron tablets in the stomach or small bowel."