Activated charcoal is a type of processed charcoal that can be taken to absorb toxins and chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract. It is most often indicated for the treatment of poisoning, but can also be taken for gas and bloating.

It is important to note that activated charcoal can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins, minerals and even other medications. Therefore, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking activated charcoal to ensure that it is appropriate for you.

What is activated charcoal taken for?

Activated charcoal can be indicated for:

1. Eliminating gas and bloating

Activated charcoal has the ability to absorb intestinal gas, reduce bloating. and relieve abdominal pain and discomfort. Check out other ways to get rid of gas.

2. Treating overdose or poisoning

Because activated charcoal has a powerful absorbing ability, it can be used in emergency situations. It is often indicated for chemical or medication poisoning, and can be administered to absorb high levels of carbamazepine, phenobarbitol, quinine, theophylline and dapsone in the body.

This medication can also be used for food poisoning, as it can easily attach to bacterial toxins.

3. Filtering water

Some impurities in the water, like pesticides, remnants of industrial waste and some chemicals, can be removed with activated charcoal. This is why it is often used for water filtration systems.

Does activated charcoal prevent hangovers?

Activated charcoal does not appear to prevent hangovers. Alcohol is typically absorbed quickly into the blood stream and activated charcoal has little time to exert on effect on it and facilitate its elimination. Therefore, activated charcoal is not recommended for preventing hangovers.

Learn more about how to get rid of a hangover with natural remedies.

How to take

Activated charcoal should be taken orally, and is typically found in pills of 250 mg. The normal recommended dose is a maximum of 4 to 6 pills per day, divided into 2 doses to be taken in between meals. The maximum dose for adults is 6 pills per day.

Dosing for children over 2 is half of what is recommended for adults: 2 to 3 pills per day, divided into 2 doses. The maximum dose for children is 3 pills per day.

To prevent a hangover, adults can take 1 g of activated charcoal before consuming alcohol, and 1 g after consumption.

Pills should not be mixed with saline, but they can be taken with water or fruit juice.

In cases of chemical poisoning and the person is not conscious, activated charcoal is used with gastric suctioning in a hospital setting. The dose required is calculated by the doctor using the patient’s body weight.

Possible side effects

The main side effects of activated charcoal include dark stools, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, particularly when consumed in excess.

Prolonged use of activated charcoal can reduce intestinal absorption of medications taken at the same time. Therefore, if you need to take a medication, it should be taken at least 3 hours before taking the activated charcoal.

Contraindications for use

Activated charcoal should not be used by children under 2 years old, nor by patients with bowel obstructions or gastrointestinal problems. It should not be used by those who have taken caustic corrosive substances or hydrocarbonetes.

In addition, this medication should not be used by people with an allergy to any of the components of the formula, or by those who have recently undergone intestinal surgery, or who have a notable decrease in intestinal flow.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to their doctor before taking activated charcoal.