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Dietary supplement

Activated Charcoal 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Natural Factors

Activated Charcoal 500 mg label
See full label image
Softgel Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Activated Charcoal 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Activated Charcoal 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Natural Factors with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for poisoning and drug overdose (in emergency care), gas and bloating, upset stomach.Based on those ingredients, 2,027 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Activated Charcoal, Powder. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: activated charcoal powder at 500 mg per softgel capsule. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that's been treated to make it very porous, which lets it bind to substances in your digestive tract.

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, glycerin, purified water, coconut oil, sunflower lecithin, and beeswax — these are inactive ingredients that form and preserve the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: assist body's natural detoxification process.
  • We looked for evidence on: Poisoning, Drug overdose, General detoxification, Gastrointestinal health.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Activated Charcoal is rated "Possibly Effective" for Poisoning (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for activated charcoal varies by use. For poisoning, it's rated possibly effective — meaning there's some support for it, but the research isn't conclusive.

For other uses listed here — high phosphate levels, wound healing, upset stomach, hangover, and high cholesterol — the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate it either way. Talk with your pharmacist about whether this product is right for what you're hoping to use it for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Activated Charcoal

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Activated charcoal is generally well tolerated for short-term use, but it does come with some side effects and caveats. The most common issues are gastrointestinal: constipation is the most frequent complaint (though usually temporary), and black stools, belly pain, bloating, and gas have also been reported.

Rarely, it may cause a blockage in your gut. There's not enough safety data on routine or long-term use, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it regularly.

In pregnancy and breastfeeding, the data isn't clear — the rating is possibly safe, but it's not well studied, so use only under medical guidance if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Activated Charcoal

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Activated Charcoal.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • For scale: 2,028 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check your medications — especially any oral drugs you take regularly. Major concern: activated charcoal can reduce how well most oral medications work.

Moderate concerns include birth control pills (it may lower their effectiveness) and alcohol (it may reduce the charcoal's own effectiveness). Use the medication checker on this page to verify your exact drugs.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you've taken a poison or overdose and your doctor or poison control recommends it, activated charcoal may help. But because it binds to so many medications, you must check all your prescriptions and regular over-the-counter drugs before you start — it could make them less effective.

Talk with your pharmacist to make sure it's safe for your situation.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Activated Charcoal 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Natural Factors
Barcode (UPC) 068958017020
Net contents 90 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282726
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
068958017020
IngredientAmount% DV
Activated Charcoal, Powder500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, yellow Beeswax

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

isura Non-GMO - Mass Spec Documentation Lab tested

Precautions

Cautions: Take at least 1 hour after (not at the same time) any medications, including birth control and also other dietary supplements.

As with any supplement, consult your health professional before you before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, or if you are taking medication, have a medical condition, or anticipate surgery.

Keep out of reach of children.

Sealed for your protection. Do not use if seal is broken.

Contains coconut.

Take no more than 3 consecutive days.

Formula

Natural Factors Activated Charcoal is made from purified coconut shells and is in a base of coconut oil. Activated Charcoal is a highly absorbent material that has been shown to assist the body's natural detoxification process while helping relieve excess gas and bloating.

General Statements

Manufactured by Natural Factors to ensure safety and potency in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the FDA and Health Canada.

Formulation

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, salt, or GMO's.

Storage

For freshness, store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Isura is a registered trademark of ISURA.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: 1-2 softgels, 3-4 hours before or after meals, or as directed by a health professional. Take for no more than 3 consecutive days.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Activated Charcoal 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Activated Charcoal, Powder

Interacts with
2,027 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Coconut

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...

Activated Charcoal, Powder monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Glycerin, Water, Purified, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Yellow Beeswax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Activated Charcoal 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
2,027Drugs
2,022 Major 5 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Activated Charcoal, Powder 2,027

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Activated Charcoal 500 mg interact with 2,027 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Activated Charcoal 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Activated Charcoal, Powder

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Activated Charcoal 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Activated Charcoal, Powder3 drug types · 2,027 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
Activated Charcoal, Powder full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Activated Charcoal 500 mg, from the product label.

Natural Factors

See all Natural Factors products
Name
Natural Factors Canada
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors: Common Questions

Does Activated Charcoal 500 mg by Natural Factors interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Activated Charcoal 500 mg has a known interaction with 2,027 medications, including 2022 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Activated Charcoal 500 mg contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will activated charcoal work if I take it at the same time as my other medications?
Probably not well. Activated charcoal binds to many oral medications and can lower how much of them your body absorbs, which may make them less effective. Space out doses as much as you can, and talk with your pharmacist about how far apart to take them — ideally 2 hours or more apart.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking first. Activated charcoal may reduce how well oral contraceptives work, raising the risk of contraceptive failure. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they may recommend taking them at different times or choosing a backup method.
What are the most common side effects?
Constipation is the most frequent complaint, though it usually passes. You may also get black stools, belly pain, bloating, or gas. Rarely, activated charcoal can cause a blockage in your gut, so stop and call your doctor if you have severe abdominal pain or can't have a bowel movement.
Is activated charcoal safe to use in pregnancy?
The data isn't clear enough to say for certain — it's rated possibly safe, but it's not well studied for routine use during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it, and use it only under their guidance.
Can I take this every day for upset stomach or to lower cholesterol?
The evidence isn't strong enough to support routine daily use for those purposes right now. And long-term safety data is limited, so check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it regularly — they can advise whether it makes sense for you.

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

Not sure if Activated Charcoal 500 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Activated Charcoal 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Activated Charcoal 500 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Activated Charcoal

Interacts with 2,027 drugs

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 g...

Read the full Activated Charcoal monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Activated Charcoal 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 14 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Activated Charcoal 14 references
  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

See these in context on the Activated Charcoal monograph →

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

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