Activated carbon
Activatedcharcoal is sometimes used to help treat poisoning or drug overdose. When ingested, activated charcoal binds drug substances and toxins. This helps to remove unwanted substances from the body.
The basic substance (charcoal) is made from coal, wood or other substances. This becomes activated charcoal when high temperatures are used in conjunction with gas or activating agents to increase its surface area.
Why do people take activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal is taken to treat poisoning or an overdose of active ingredients. When used in conjunction with other treatments, activated charcoal can be effective for acute poisoning. However, it is useless in some cases, such as poisoning with cyanide, lithium, alcohol or iron tablets. It also cannot be used to treat poisoning caused by strong acids or bases.
In the event of poisoning, you should not puzzle over what to do, but contact the poison control center immediately and then go to the emergency room. However, it is important to take activated charcoal as soon as possible when recommended.
Other studied uses of activated charcoal include:
- Treating a condition during pregnancy in which the normal flow of bile is impaired, known as cholestasis
- The prevention of flatulence
- A reduction in cholesterol levels
- Preventing a hangover
Research on the treatment of cholestasis during pregnancy is very limited and further studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this use. Whether activated charcoal really helps to relieve bloating and lower cholesterol levels is currently unclear, as the studies conducted to date have produced inconsistent results. As far as the use of activated charcoal to treat a hangover is concerned, there is as yet no scientific evidence of any effect.
The variant of activated charcoal used to treat poisoning is a powder that is mixed with liquid. Once mixed, it can be administered as a drink or via a tube passed through the mouth directly into the stomach. Activated charcoal for the treatment of flatulence is also available in the form of tablets or capsules. This dosage form of activated charcoal is not used to treat poisoning.
Doctors do not agree on the best dosage of activated charcoal for the treatment of drug overdose or poisoning. A common initial dose for an adult is 50 to 100 grams. Repeated doses can help to remove a larger amount of unwanted substances from the body. However, more research is needed to see how effective this is and what dosages should be used. For children, lower dosages are needed depending on age and weight.
Can activated charcoal be found in natural food?
Activated charcoal is a man-made product that does not occur naturally in food.
What are the risks of taking activated charcoal?
When used to treat poisoning or an overdose, activated charcoal is usually safe and harmless. Side effects are more likely when used long term to treat conditions such as excessive flatulence.
Side effects
When taken orally, activated charcoal can cause side effects such as black stools, a black tongue, vomiting or diarrhea, and constipation. In more serious cases, activated charcoal can cause side effects such as intestinal obstruction.
Risks
Activatedcharcoal should not be combined with medications to treat constipation such as sorbitol or magnesium citrate, as such a combination can result in electrolyte imbalance and other problems.
Interactions
Activated charcoal can reduce or prevent the absorption of certain drugs/active ingredients. This may include medications such as acetaminophen, theophylline and tricyclic antidepressants. If you are taking such medications, you should not use activated charcoal as a supplement. In addition, activated charcoal can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients.