Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Activated Charcoal Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by TerraVita Premium Collection

Powder Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Activated Charcoal Powder is a dietary supplement by TerraVita Premium Collection 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection

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

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. Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that's been processed to be very porous, giving it a large surface area that allows it to bind to other substances.

There are no inactive ingredients listed for this formulation.

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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Activated Charcoal's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Activated Charcoal for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Poisoning — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for activated charcoal is mixed. It's rated possibly effective for poisoning treatment — this is where activated charcoal is most commonly used in medical settings.

For other uses listed here — including hyperphosphatemia, wound healing, indigestion, hangover, and high cholesterol — the evidence isn't established well enough to rate. If you're considering it for a specific condition, check with your pharmacist about what the science actually supports.

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 the most common side effect is constipation, which is usually temporary. You may also notice black stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Rarely, it can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. Because it can reduce how well other things are absorbed — not just medications but potentially nutrients too — use it cautiously if you're taking other supplements or medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety isn't well studied; the data rates it possibly safe, but there isn't enough research to know for certain, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before use in pregnancy or while 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, double-check any oral medications you're on — activated charcoal can reduce how well they work (Major severity). If you use hormonal birth control, talk to your pharmacist, as charcoal may lower its effectiveness (Moderate).

And avoid taking it close to alcohol, since drinking may reduce how well the charcoal works (Moderate).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Activated charcoal can be useful in poison emergencies under medical care, but if you're thinking about using it regularly or for other reasons, know that it will interfere with how your body absorbs many medications and supplements. If you take any prescription drugs or hormonal contraception, check them against this product before starting.

Your pharmacist can help you time doses or figure out whether it's right for you.

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 Apr 21, 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 Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand TerraVita Premium Collection
Barcode (UPC) 064435106539
Net contents 4 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 21, 2023
DSLD ID 289206
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection, 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:
0.25 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.25 Teaspoon(s)
Servings per container
113
UPC/BARCODE
064435106539
IngredientAmount% DV
Activated Charcoal, Powder1000 mg--

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.
FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2004 TerraVita - Distributed by ZooScape LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions Stir 1/4 of a teaspoon into a glass of water and consume 3 times daily, with meals.

General Statements

TerraVita is an exclusive line of premium natural products that use the finest, purest and most potent ingredients in the world. TerraVita's hallmarks are the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. All products are prepared with the greatest quality control, from raw materials through the entire manufacturing process, right up to the moment your product is sealed for freshness and shipped to you.

Please recycle!

FDA Disclaimer Statement

Statements not evaluated by FDA. Product not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

See for yourself

Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection

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

Serving size0.25 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container113 Amounts shown are per serving.

Activated Charcoal, Powder

Interacts with
2,027 drugs
1000 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
Interaction report

Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Activated Charcoal Powder?

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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Activated Charcoal Powder 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
The maker

Brand information

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

TerraVita Premium Collection

See all TerraVita Premium Collection products
Name
TerraVita Fine Whole Herbs
City
Brampton
State
Ontario
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection: Common Questions

Does Activated Charcoal Powder by TerraVita Premium Collection interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Activated Charcoal Powder 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 Powder 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.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Activated charcoal may reduce how well oral contraceptives work, raising the risk of contraceptive failure. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about whether this product is right for you, or whether timing doses away from your pill might help.
What are the most common side effects?
Constipation is the most frequent complaint, but it's usually temporary. You may also get black stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Rarely, it can cause a blockage in your stomach or intestines.
Is it safe to use this long-term?
Activated charcoal is generally low-risk for short-term use, but not well studied for routine long-term use. Because it can bind to and reduce absorption of many other substances — medications, supplements, nutrients — check with your pharmacist before regular use.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data isn't well established — there's not enough research to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing.
What is activated charcoal used for?
It's rated possibly effective for poisoning treatment, which is its main use in medical settings. For other uses like indigestion, hangover, wound healing, high cholesterol, or kidney disease, the evidence isn't strong enough to rate effectiveness.
Will this reduce how well my medications work?
Yes — activated charcoal can bind to many oral drugs and reduce their absorption. This is why it's crucial to check your specific medications before starting. Your pharmacist can tell you if any of yours are affected.

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

Not sure if Activated Charcoal Powder is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Powder label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Activated Charcoal Powder'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

Keep exploring