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What is charcoal powder or oral suspension?
CHARCOAL, sometimes referred to as activated charcoal, absorbs or binds to some substances in the stomach and intestines and prevents them from being absorbed into the body. Charcoal powder or oral suspension may be suitable for treating some accidental poisonings or drug overdoses. Accidental poisoning or overdose is a medical emergency. If a poisoning or overdose occurs, emergency help should be sought and you should contact a poison control center in your area. Do not treat a poisoning or overdose yourself. Charcoal is not for use in all types of poisonings, so follow directions carefully. Generic charcoal powder and oral suspension are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
Do not take charcoal unless a physician or a trained health care professional has told you to take this product. Some poisonings or overdoses should not be treated with activated charcoal. In addition, the condition of the person who has been poisoned may determine if charcoal will be used or not. Make sure you give clear and complete answers about the poisoned person to the health care professional helping you.How should I take this medicine?
This medication is given under a prescriber's supervision. Follow their directions exactly. Do not take this product unless told to do so. Charcoal works best if used within 30—60 minutes of taking an overdose or ingesting a poison. If the dose is vomited, ask the health care prescriber what you should do.For the powder: Mix the recommended dose (usually 5 to 6 tablespoonfuls) in a glass (6 to 8 ounces) of water. Drink the entire mixture.
For the liquid suspension: Shake well before using, then drink the recommended dose (usually an entire package).
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.What drug(s) may interact with charcoal?
Charcoal binds to and prevents the absorption of many medicines, do not take other medicines for at least 2 hours before or after taking charcoal.Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking charcoal?
Do not use this medication without consulting your prescriber or health care professional, local emergency room, or poison control center. Follow directions of these health care professionals carefully. Once you have used this first emergency treatment measure, see a prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible to determine what other treatments might be necessary.Accidental poisoning or overdose is a medical emergency. Charcoal is not effective in absorbing all toxic substances and does not replace the need for other emergency medical treatments. Charcoal is not effective in treating overdoses of petroleum products (such as gasoline, kerosene, or many cleaning products) and may make diagnosing and treating the overdose more difficult. It is also not effective for cyanide, alcohols, engine coolants, mineral acids, alkalai's or bases (many many cleaning products), or iron overdoses.
Avoid dairy products. Milk and milk products bind with the charcoal and reduce its effectiveness. Do not eat or drink dairy products within two hours of a dose of charcoal.
Take with plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet after the emergency is over to prevent dehydration and nutritional problems.
What side effects may I notice from taking charcoal?
Some side effects may occur with charcoal products that contain sorbitol; side effects include:• confusion
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• dry eyes or absence of tears
• extreme thirst
• extreme weakness or fatigue
• reduced or difficult urination
• unusually dry or loose skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• black stools
• constipation
• diarrhea or vomiting
• swelling or pain in the stomach
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat and moisture. Do not freeze. Discard any unused suspension after you have opened the package. Throw away after the printed expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
