Activated charcoal, made from common charcoal by heat in the presence of a gas that causes the development of pores in the charcoal.
Contents
Uses
- treat poisonings
- reduce intestinal gas
- lower cholesterol levels
- prevent hangovers
- treat bile flow problems during pregnancy
Benefits
- Activated charcoal traps chemicals in its pores to prevent absorption.
Cautions
- Activated charcoal has various side effects. These include:
- constipation
- black stools
- slowing and/or blockage of intestinal tract
- regurgitation into the lungs
- dehdyration
- In the case of pregnancy and/or breast-feeding, activated charcoal may be ok to use short-term, however a doctor should be consulted anyway before use.
- Do not use activated charcoal if you already have intestinal blockages and/or conditions that cause slow digestion of food.
Interactions
- MAJOR INTERACTION: DO NOT TAKE THIS COMBINATION:
- IPECAC SYRUP CAN BIND TO ACTIVATED CHARCOAL IN THE STOMACH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IPECAC SYRUP.
- Moderate Interactions: Be cautious with these combinations
- Consuming alcohol with activated charcoal could reduce the charcoal’s effectiveness in preventing the absorption of poisons.
- Consuming activated charcoal in addition to oral medication might decrease the oral medication’s effectiveness.
Other Names
Carbo Activatus, Activated Carbon, Activated Coal
References
Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-269-ACTIVATED%20CHARCOAL.aspx?activeIngredientId=269&activeIngredientName=ACTIVATED%20CHARCOAL