Herb & supplement monograph

Activated Charcoal Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Activated Charcoal interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Activated Charcoal is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Activated Charcoal is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Activated Charcoal

2027 medications have a known interaction with Activated Charcoal, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2022 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Activated Charcoal.

2,830 drugs
"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + "phentolamine interaction
6-mercaptopurinePurinethol
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + 6-mercaptopurine interaction 6-mercaptopurine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbacavirZiagen
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abacavir interaction Abacavir drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine interaction Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, Lamivudine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abacavir, Lamivudine interaction
AbciximabReoPro
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abciximab interaction
AbemaciclibVerzenio
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abemaciclib interaction Abemaciclib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abiraterone interaction Abiraterone drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abiraterone Acetate interaction Abiraterone Acetate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcalabrutinibCalquence
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acalabrutinib interaction Acalabrutinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcamprosateCampral
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acamprosate interaction Acamprosate drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acarbose interaction Acarbose drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcebutololRhotral, Sectral
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acebutolol interaction Acebutolol drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acenocoumarol interaction
AcepromazineAtravet
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acepromazine interaction
AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen interaction Acetaminophen drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam
Major Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.

Read the full Activated Charcoal + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Isometheptene interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Activated Charcoal combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Activated Charcoal affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Activated Charcoal is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 3 drug categories Activated Charcoal interacts with
Oral DrugsAlcohol (ethanol)Contraceptive Drugs
Oral Drugs

Activated charcoal reduces systemic exposure to many drugs, including those that undergo enterohepatic recirculation, regardless of the route of administration.
Activated charcoal adsorbs various drugs and may reduce their absorption and/or half-life. Examples of affected drugs include acetaminophen, aminophylline, amiodarone, atenolol, carbamazepine, dapsone, digoxin, disopyramide, fluoxetine, indomethacin, moxifloxacin, nadolol, phenytoin, phenobarbital, piroxicam, quinine, sotalol, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants, valproate, and verapamil. Avoid co-administration, except after drug overdose.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Alcohol (Ethanol)

The binding action of activated charcoal may be reduced by alcohol.
Alcohol may lower the adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Activated charcoal may reduce the clinical effects of oral contraceptives.
Activated charcoal, taken in a dose of 5 grams four times daily for 3 days, may bind to, and reduce the absorption of, oral contraceptives, thereby limiting their effectiveness and increasing the risk of contraceptive failure. However, some clinical research shows that the risk for this interaction is minimal when activated charcoal is taken either 3 hours after or at least 12 hours before oral contraceptives.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Monograph

Activated Charcoal: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that can bind certain substances in the gut, and it is used in hospitals to treat some poisonings and overdoses. For everyday uses like gas, bloating, detox, or teeth whitening, the evidence is weak or unclear. If you suspect a poisoning, call your local poison control center or seek emergency care first rather than using a home product.

Activated Charcoal
Part used
Carbon-rich source material such as wood, coconut shell, peat, or coal that is heated and 'activated'
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, powder, oral suspension, and added to some toothpastes and skin products
People commonly use it for
  • Poisoning and drug overdose (in emergency care)
  • Gas and bloating
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea
  • Teeth whitening
  • General 'detox'

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally low-risk for short-term use, but it can cause constipation and may reduce how well other things are absorbed.

PregnancyPossibly Safe

When used orally short-term. Activated charcoal 50 grams three times daily for 8 days has been used with apparent safety in pregnancy.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Safe

When used orally short-term. Activated charcoal 50 grams three times daily for 8 days has been used with apparent safety in pregnancy.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from carbon-rich materials such as wood, coconut shells, peat, or coal. These materials are heated to very high temperatures and treated so the surface becomes covered with countless tiny pores. This 'activation' step greatly increases the surface area, which is what lets charcoal trap many substances.

It is not the same as the charcoal used for grilling, which is not safe to swallow. Medical activated charcoal is purified for use inside the body. In hospitals, it is a well-known tool for treating certain poisonings and drug overdoses.

Outside of emergency care, people also take activated charcoal capsules or powder for gas, bloating, and stomach upset, and it shows up in 'detox' products, toothpastes, and face masks.

How it works

Activated charcoal works by a process called adsorption (substances stick to its surface, rather than soaking in). Its huge internal surface area gives many places for molecules to attach.

When taken by mouth, it can bind certain drugs, toxins, and gases inside the digestive tract before they are absorbed into the bloodstream. The bound material then passes out of the body in the stool.

Because it works mainly inside the gut, timing matters a great deal in poisoning—it is most useful soon after a substance is swallowed. It also binds non-selectively, meaning it can latch onto helpful substances (like nutrients or medicines) as well as harmful ones.

Effectiveness

Does Activated Charcoal work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 12 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 11 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Poisoning
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral activated charcoal taken after ingestion of certain drugs reduces systemic drug exposure. However, it is unclear if it affects clinical endpoints such as morbidity or mortality.

Also studied for 11 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Celiac disease
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using activated charcoal for acute gluten exposure in those with celiac disease, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of activated charcoal for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral activated charcoal is beneficial in patients with chemotherapy-induced diarrhea.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cholestasis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral activated charcoal is beneficial in patients with pregnancy-induced cholestasis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Constipation
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral activated charcoal has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effects when used alone are unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dyspepsia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral activated charcoal has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Flatulence
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral activated charcoal is beneficial for reducing the occurrence of flatulence.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hangover
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

There is no reliable evidence that activated charcoal prevents or treats hangover.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypercholesterolemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral activated charcoal is beneficial in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperphosphatemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral activated charcoal might reduce the incidence of hyperphosphatemia in patients with kidney disease.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tooth whitening
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if toothpaste containing activated charcoal is beneficial for tooth whitening.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Research on the use of activated charcoal-containing dressings for wound healing is limited and conflicting.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

For short-term use, activated charcoal is generally considered low-risk for most healthy adults. However, there are important cautions.

Do not use activated charcoal at home to treat a suspected poisoning or overdose without medical advice. Call your local poison control center or seek emergency care first. Giving charcoal at the wrong time or to the wrong person can be harmful, especially if there is a risk of breathing it into the lungs.

People with slowed gut movement, a bowel blockage, recent bowel surgery, or trouble swallowing should avoid it unless a doctor directs otherwise. Anyone who is drowsy, unconscious, or vomiting should not take it without medical supervision because of the risk of choking or aspiration.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for routine use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Because charcoal can also reduce absorption of nutrients and medicines, it is best to avoid casual use and check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Side effects

The most common side effects are digestive: constipation, black stools, and nausea. The harmless black color of the stool is expected.

Less commonly, it can cause vomiting or, with repeated use, blockage of the bowel. A rare but serious risk is breathing charcoal into the lungs (aspiration), which can cause lung problems—this is mostly a concern in people who are drowsy, vomiting, or not fully alert.

Because charcoal binds many substances, regular long-term use could lower the absorption of nutrients and medicines, so it is not meant for daily ongoing use without guidance.

Activated Charcoal: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Activated Charcoal from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, activated charcoal is generally well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Abdominal pain, black stools, bloating, constipation, and flatulence.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Gastrointestinal obstruction and pulmonary aspiration.

Reports by condition
Constipation Gastrointestinal

The most common adverse reactions reported with activated charcoal are gastrointestinal in nature. Constipation appears to be the most frequent complaint, but is typically transient. Black stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence have also been reported. Rarely, activated charcoal may lead to gastrointestinal obstruction.

  1. Anon. Position statement and practice guidelines on the use of multi-dose activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poisoning. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. J Toxicol Clin T
  2. Park GD, Spector R, Kitt TM. Superactivated charcoal versus cholestyramine for cholesterol lowering: a randomized cross-over trial. J Clin Pharmacol 1988;28:416-9.
  3. Wang Z, Cui M, Tang L, et al. Oral activated charcoal suppresses hyperphosphataemia in haemodialysis patients. Nephrology (Carlton) 2012;17(7):616-20.
  4. Gao Y, Wang G, Li Y, Lv C, Wang Z. Effects of oral activated charcoal on hyperphosphatemia and vascular calcification in Chinese patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease. J Nephrol. 2019;32(2):265-72.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no single standard dose for general dietary supplement use. Hospital doses used for poisoning are very different and are calculated and given by medical professionals based on the situation—do not try to copy those at home.

For over-the-counter products taken for gas or stomach upset, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. To avoid interfering with absorption, it is often suggested to separate charcoal from meals, vitamins, and medicines by a couple of hours.

Because the right amount depends on the product and your health, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using activated charcoal, especially if you take other medicines or have a medical condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Activated Charcoal & Pregnancy

Possibly Safe

When used orally short-term. Activated charcoal 50 grams three times daily for 8 days has been used with apparent safety in pregnancy.

  1. Kaaja RJ, Kontula KK, Raiha A, Laatikainen T. Treatment of cholestasis of pregnancy with peroral activated charcoal. A preliminary study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1994;29:178-81.

Activated Charcoal & Breastfeeding

Possibly Safe

When used orally short-term. Activated charcoal 50 grams three times daily for 8 days has been used with apparent safety in pregnancy.

  1. Kaaja RJ, Kontula KK, Raiha A, Laatikainen T. Treatment of cholestasis of pregnancy with peroral activated charcoal. A preliminary study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1994;29:178-81.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 14 references that drive our Activated Charcoal monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Kaaja RJ, Kontula KK, Raiha A, Laatikainen T. Treatment of cholestasis of pregnancy with peroral activated charcoal. A preliminary study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1994;29:178-81.
  2. Anon. Position statement and practice guidelines on the use of multi-dose activated charcoal in the treatment of acute poisoning. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists. J Toxicol Clin T
  3. Park GD, Spector R, Kitt TM. Superactivated charcoal versus cholestyramine for cholesterol lowering: a randomized cross-over trial. J Clin Pharmacol 1988;28:416-9. PubMed
  4. Hoegberg LC, Angelo HR, Christophersen AB, Christensen HR. Effect of ethanol and pH on the adsorption of acetaminophen (paracetamol) to high surface activated charcoal, in vitro studies. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 2002;40:59-67. PubMed
  5. Brahmi N, Kouraichi N, Thabet H, Amamou M. Influence of activated charcoal on the pharmacokinetics and the clinical features of carbamazepine poisoning. Am J Emerg Med 2006;24(4):440-3. PubMed
  6. Gude AB, Hoegberg LC, Angelo HR, Christensen HR. Dose-dependent adsorptive capacity of activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination of a simulated paracetamol overdose in human volunteers. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2010;106(5)406-10. PubMed
  7. Wananukul W, Klaikleun S, Sriapha C, Tongpoo A. Effect of activated charcoal in reducing paracetamol absorption at supra-therapeutic dose. J Med Assoc Thai 2010;93(10):1145-9.
  8. Wang Z, Cui M, Tang L, et al. Oral activated charcoal suppresses hyperphosphataemia in haemodialysis patients. Nephrology (Carlton) 2012;17(7):616-20. PubMed
  9. Wang X, Mondal S, Wang J, et al. Effect of activated charcoal on apixaban pharmacokinetics in healthy subjects. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2014;14(2):147-54. PubMed
  10. Chyka PA, Seger D, Krenzelok EP, et al. Position paper: single-dose activated charcoal. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2005;43(2):61-87. PubMed
  11. Chiew AL, Gluud C, Brok J, Buckley NA. Interventions for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;2:CD003328. PubMed
  12. Elomaa K, Ranta S, Tuominen J, Lähteenmäki P. Charcoal treatment and risk of escape ovulation in oral contraceptive users. Hum Reprod. 2001;16(1):76-81. PubMed
  13. Gao Y, Wang G, Li Y, Lv C, Wang Z. Effects of oral activated charcoal on hyperphosphatemia and vascular calcification in Chinese patients with stage 3-4 chronic kidney disease. J Nephrol. 2019;32(2):265-72. PubMed
  14. Skov K, Graudal NA, Jürgens G. The effect of activated charcoal on drug exposure following intravenous administration: A meta-analysis. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2021;128(4):568-578. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Activated Charcoal

108 brands in our database make a supplement containing Activated Charcoal.

Product directory

Supplement products with Activated Charcoal

577 products in our database contain Activated Charcoal. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

100% Pure Activated Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions 3-Day Colon Cleanse by BIOHM Capsule 6 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Nature's Sunshine Capsule 120 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by VivaDoria Powder 1.2 oz. · 34 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by VivaDoria Powder 4 oz. · 113 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by NOW Capsule 200 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Protocol For Life Balance Capsule 100 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by NOW Capsule 200 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Natures Craft Capsule 90 Veggie Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Herbally Grounded Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Antler Farms Capsule 180 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Earthborn Elements Capsule 200 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Earthborn Elements Capsule 200 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Herb Stop Capsule 300 Veggie Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by GNC Herbal Plus Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Integrative Therapeutics Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Integrative Therapeutics Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal by Integrative Therapeutics Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1000 mg by Remedys Nutrition Capsule 60 Vcap(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1100 mg by Nutracraft Capsule 60 Vegetable Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1200 mg by NaturaLife Labs Capsule 100 Veggie Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1200 mg by BulkSupplements.com Capsule 270 Veg Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 1200 mg by dr.bo Capsule 90 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Activated Charcoal 250 mg by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Activated Charcoal: Common Questions

What is Activated Charcoal used for, and does it work?
People use Activated Charcoal for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Activated Charcoal for Poisoning. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Activated Charcoal interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 2027 medications with a known interaction with Activated Charcoal, including 2022 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Activated Charcoal interacts with a specific drug.
How are Activated Charcoal interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Activated Charcoal with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Activated Charcoal interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Activated Charcoal used for?
In hospitals it is used to help treat certain poisonings and drug overdoses. Over the counter, people use it for gas, bloating, and upset stomach, and it appears in detox and teeth-whitening products—though the evidence for these everyday uses is weak.
Can I use Activated Charcoal at home if someone swallows something poisonous?
No—do not give it on your own. Call your local poison control center or emergency services first, because charcoal can be harmful if used at the wrong time or in someone who is drowsy or vomiting.
Does Activated Charcoal really detox your body?
There is no good evidence that Activated Charcoal 'detoxes' a healthy body. Your liver and kidneys already handle that job, and charcoal mainly works on substances still inside the digestive tract.
Why does Activated Charcoal turn my stool black?
Black stools are a normal and harmless effect of taking Activated Charcoal, since the charcoal itself is black and passes out in the stool.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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