Type of medicine: natural remedy
Scientific and common names: Carbo activatus, active carbon, adsorbent charcoal, activated charcoal, medicinal charcoal
Activated charcoal is not the same as other kinds of charcoal. It is made specifically for use as a medicine. It is a light, tasteless, fine black powder that traps poisons.
This remedy has been used to treat several conditions. Studies in humans or animals have not proved that this remedy is safe or effective for all uses. Before using this remedy for a serious condition, you should talk with your healthcare provider. There may be other uses that are not listed below.
Activated charcoal has been taken by mouth to:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.
Charcoal comes in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid.
Contact your local poison control center for directions on how to give charcoal based on a person's weight.
Do not try to use burnt toast, charred wood, or charcoal briquettes to treat poisoning. Do not mix charcoal with milk or dairy products, chocolate syrup, ice cream or other sweets to make it taste better. These foods prevent charcoal from working properly.
Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.
ALWAYS CALL 1-800-222-1222 OR YOUR LOCAL POISON CONTROL CENTER BEFORE GIVING ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FOR ANY KIND OF POISONING!
Do not used activated charcoal if the person:
Activated charcoal is considered safe when used short-term.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this remedy.
Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:
Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: New or worsening stomach pain; severe constipation; severe diarrhea; severe nausea or vomiting; choking from the charcoal going down the wrong pipe into the lungs.
Other: Dark stool, upset stomach, vomiting, constipation.
When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Activated charcoal can prevent medicines taken by mouth from being absorbed. Do not take activated charcoal within 2 hours of other medicines.
Do not drink alcohol while taking charcoal. Alcohol makes charcoal less effective.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.
This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
