Activated Charcoal
Activated Charcoal is an emergency medication used to treat poisoning and drug overdoses by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
A non-absorbable adsorbent that binds to toxins and drugs in the gut to prevent their absorption, commonly used in emergency poisoning treatment.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A07DA
- RxNorm
- 1704
- Generic
- Activated Charcoal
- Class
- atc-a07
- Brands
- Actidose, Insta-Char, CharcoCaps
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 0
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- oral suspension, powder, capsule
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, European Union
- Monitoring
- constipation, electrolyte imbalance
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
11 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse only if clearly needed
avoid routine use; administer only in cases of acute poisoning where benefits clearly outweigh potential risks
fetal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only for acute poisoning emergencies
fetal monitoring if used
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse only if clearly needed
use only for acute poisoning emergencies; may affect nutrient absorption
fetal and maternal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
compatible with breastfeeding; minimal systemic absorption
none required
pediatric_age
children under 2lower dose and careful administration
use with caution; ensure adequate airway protection; risk of aspiration
close monitoring of airway and hydration status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 2 12weight-based dosing
standard pediatric dosing applies; ensure adequate fluid intake
monitor for dehydration and bowel function
geriatric
elderlyno specific adjustment needed
use standard dosing; consider hydration status and bowel function
monitor bowel function and hydration
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing applies; not significantly renally cleared
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing; not significantly eliminated by kidneys
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
standard dosing; not significantly metabolized hepatically
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
standard dosing; works locally in GI tract
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly used for poisoning treatment since
Activated charcoal approved for use in toxic ingestion treatment
Drug class
Activated charcoal classified as a non-specific adsorbent
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for gastric decontamination
Effectiveness in reducing absorption
Efficacy dependent on time since ingestion
Emergency treatment of acute poisoning and drug overdoses (particularly when administered shortly after ingestion), reduction of intestinal gas and bloating, and as an adjunctive treatment for certain types of food poisoning.
Activated Charcoal has a large surface area with millions of tiny pores that work through adsorption, binding to drugs, toxins, and other substances in the gastrointestinal tract via chemical attraction, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and facilitating their elimination in feces.
Most effective when given within 1-2 hours of ingestion; less effective for poisoning with corrosive substances, alcohols, or certain metals. Should not be given routinely for all poisonings without medical guidance. May reduce absorption of oral medications if taken simultaneously. Contraindicated in patients with compromised airways or intestinal perforation.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy