Charcoal activated Other names: Activated carbon

Activated charcoal should not be used concurrently with systemically active oral emetics or oral antidotes such as methionine since such agents would be adsorbed by the charcoal.

There is no evidence to suggest that charcoal activated should not be used during pregnancy. Charcoal activated is not systemically absorbed.

There is no evidence to suggest that charcoal activated should not be used during lactation. Charcoal activated is not systemically absorbed.

None (the product is not systemically absorbed).

In general, activated charcoal is well tolerated. Some patients may however experience constipation or diarrhoea.

Activated charcoal has been associated with bezoar formation, intestinal obstruction and, rarely, intestinal perforation following multiple dosing – although a direct causative association has not been demonstrated.

Faecal impaction has been reported in a patient treated for an overdose of a diuretic with alcohol.

Aspiration of activated charcoal has been reported to cause airway obstruction and appropriate precautions should be taken.

Activated charcoal will produce black stools which may be alarming to the patient but is medically insignificant.