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Dietary supplement

Activated Charcoal 520 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Windmill Natural Vitamins

Activated Charcoal 520 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 mg is a dietary supplement by Windmill Natural Vitamins 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 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins

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 520 mg per capsule. Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that works by binding substances in your digestive tract.

The capsules also contain gelatin and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients.

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: supports digestion and promotes cleansing detox.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Poisoning, bloating, gas, upset stomach.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Activated Charcoal is rated "Possibly Effective" for Poisoning (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Activated Charcoal is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Flatulence.

The evidence for activated charcoal is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for poisoning — which is its main use in emergency medicine.

For other uses listed here — high blood phosphate levels (hyperphosphatemia), wound healing, indigestion (dyspepsia), hangover, and high cholesterol — the evidence isn't strong enough to rate, meaning we don't have reliable data showing it works for those purposes.

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 constipation is the most common side effect and may be bothersome. You may also notice black stools, bloating, abdominal pain, or gas.

Rarely, it can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Because it binds other substances so readily, it can also reduce how much your body absorbs from foods and supplements.

Safety data for routine use in pregnancy is limited. The product is rated possibly safe, but there isn't enough information to know for sure — talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy.

Little safety data exists for breastfeeding either, so check with your healthcare provider.

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 with the tool on this page. The biggest concern is oral medications — activated charcoal can reduce how much your body absorbs.

Also watch for oral contraceptives (birth control pills), which may become less effective, and avoid taking this product close in time to alcohol, which can reduce how well the charcoal works.

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.

Activated charcoal is mainly used for poisoning in acute situations. If you take it for other reasons, know that it can interfere with many medications and reduce their effectiveness.

Talk with your pharmacist before starting it, especially if you take any prescription drugs, birth control, or routine medications — timing and spacing matter.

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 Aug 22, 2025.

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 520 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Windmill Natural Vitamins
Barcode (UPC) 035046002954
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 333507
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses 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 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
035046002954
IngredientAmount% DV
Activated Charcoal, Powder520 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 2 capsules daily 2-3 hours before/after a meal as a dietary supplement or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

Take for no more than 3 consecutive days.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not purchase if seal is broken.

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Any medicaiton should be taken one (1) hour prior to consuming this product.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Storage

Protect from heat, light & moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Made in the U.S.A. from globally sourced ingredients.

Supports digestion Promotes cleansing & detox

No sugar, wheat, soy, milk, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives Non GMO - Gluten free

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins label

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

Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Activated Charcoal, Powder

Interacts with
2,027 drugs
520 mg per serving

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, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 mg interact with 2,027 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 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 520 mg, from the product label.

Windmill Natural Vitamins

See all Windmill Natural Vitamins products
Name
Windmill Health Products
Street Address
165 Clinton Road
City
West Caldwell
State
NJ
ZipCode
07006
Web Address
www.windmillvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins: Common Questions

Does Activated Charcoal 520 mg by Windmill Natural Vitamins interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 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 interfere with my medications?
Very likely. Activated charcoal binds to many drugs in your digestive tract and can reduce how much your body absorbs, potentially making them less effective. Check every medication you take — prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements — using the search tool on this page before you start.
Can I take this with my birth control?
It's risky. Activated charcoal can bind to oral contraceptives and lower their effectiveness, raising the chance of contraceptive failure. If you use birth control pills, talk with your pharmacist about timing or whether this product is right for you.
What are the most common side effects?
Constipation is by far the most frequent complaint, though it's usually temporary. Black stools, bloating, belly pain, and gas are also common. Rarely, it can cause a blockage in your digestive tract.
Is activated charcoal safe to use long-term?
It's not well studied for routine, ongoing use. It's generally low-risk for short-term use, but long-term or frequent use isn't established as safe. Talk with your pharmacist about how often and for how long you plan to take it.
Does this work for hangover or indigestion?
The evidence isn't strong enough to say. For hangover and indigestion (dyspepsia), we don't have reliable data showing activated charcoal actually helps. It is rated possibly effective for poisoning, which is its main established use.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
It's rated possibly safe, but there isn't enough data to be sure. If you're pregnant or planning to be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using it — they can give you personalized advice based on your situation.

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

Not sure if Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Activated Charcoal 520 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 520 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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