Activated charcoal, often called activated carbon, is a black, tasteless, and odorless powder that has been relied on for medicinal purposes since the beginning. Charcoal that has undergone a high-temperature oxygen treatment process to increase its porosity is known as activated charcoal.

• Toxins consumed are adsorbed by activated charcoal in the digestive tract, blocking their systemic absorption.
• Only poisons dissolved in a liquid can be directly taken away by activated charcoal.
• It comes into touch with ingested poisons if the medication is still not absorbed from the stomach or intestine.
• Activated charcoal taken orally operates in the gastrointestinal tract unaltered as it is not absorbed by the gut.

Single dose Activated charcoal

• Infants from birth to 1 year – 10 to 25 g
• Children – 2 to 12 years – 25 to 50 g
• Teenagers and adults – 50 to 100 g

Multiple-dose activated charcoal

• Kids till 13 years – first dose of 10 to 25 g, then subsequent dosing is based on body weight.
• Teenagers and adults – initial dose of 25 to 100 g, then repeated doses of 10 to 25 g for every 2 to 4 hours

• To preserve the product’s properties, activated carbons must be stored and shielded from moisture.
• Additionally, it should be stored away from solvents to prevent the chance of activated carbon absorbing their fumes or vapors.
• Liquid oxygen, ozone, and strong oxidants that can ignite quickly are incompatible substances and should be kept away.

• Activated charcoal can be taken internally to stop poisoning by trapping medicines and other substances.
• Kidney disease – According to a study conducted on older adults, activated charcoal may aid in improving kidney function in those with chronic renal disease and lower urea and creatinine blood levels.
• Intestinal gas – Activated charcoal can be used to reduce excessive gas formation.
• Diarrhea – Researchers concluded that by trapping harmful germs and medications on its porous and rough surface, it would be able to limit their absorption into the body and cause diarrhea.

It is often regarded as safe to use. The most frequent side effects could be:

• Vomiting.
• A dark-tarred stool.
• Constipation.