Activated Charcoal
Carbo activatus — Materia Medica
Snapshot
Highly porous carbon used orally as an adsorbent in certain acute poisonings when administered promptly (typically within 1–2 hours). Not effective for corrosives, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, alcohols, and small polar molecules. Topically used in dressings to help reduce odor.Activated Charcoal (Activated carbon (from coconut shell/wood)).
Parts used Activated carbon
PreparationsSlurry in water; capsules; used in filters (not a tea).
Primary actionsAdsorbent; detox support (non‑specific); antidiarrheal; gas relief
SystemsDigestive; General detox
NotesFinely processed carbon with very high surface area that binds a wide range of compounds in the gut.
Not absorbed systemically. Used short‑term after ingestion of unwanted substances (per professional direction),
and for gas/occasional diarrhea. Take away from medications and supplements (at least 2–3 hours).
Not a nutritive herb and not prepared as a tea; typically taken as a water slurry or capsule.
Identification & Harvest
Preparations
- powder
- capsule
- compress
- poultice
- slurry
Safety
Use only under professional guidance for emergencies; not a daily supplement. Contraindicated with caustic ingestions and in patients with compromised airway or intestinal obstruction. Do not combine with ipecac. May reduce absorption of oral medications/supplements; separate by several hours. Adverse effects include constipation and black stools; rare aspiration risk.Related Research
No studies yet.
References
- (2014) The Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers in Primary and Secondary Care.
- (2009) Diarrhoea and Vomiting Caused by Gastroenteritis: Diagnosis, Assessment and Management in Children Younger than 5 Years.
- (2019) Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies, 11th ed.
- (2020) Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference, 40th ed. (Activated Charcoal/Carbo activatus)
- (2024) StatPearls: Activated Charcoal
- (2023) Merck Manual Professional: Decontamination of Ingested Poisons (incl. activated charcoal)
- (2008) WHO Model Formulary (Antidotes: Activated Charcoal)
- (2008) AACT/EAPCCT Position Statements (GI Decontamination; Single-Dose AC listed)
- (2022) Utah Poison Control Center: Activated Charcoal (clinical overview & dosing)
- (2019) Dtsch Arztebl Int: The Use of Activated Charcoal to Treat Intoxications (review)
- (2016) Br J Clin Pharmacol: Activated charcoal for acute overdose: a reappraisal
- (2010) Clin Toxicol: Activated Charcoal for Acute Poisoning—One Toxicologist’s Perspective
- (2024) NICE BNF: Active carbon (poisoning management)
- (2019) Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies, 11e
- (2020) Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference, 40e (book)
Educational content only; not medical advice.