Activated Charcoal

 

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
• Benefits
• Cautions
• Interactions
• Other Names
• References

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