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Dietary supplement

Charcoal 260 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Charcoal 260 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Mineral
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 Charcoal 260 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

Charcoal 260 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals 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 Charcoal. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals

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 16, 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, at 260 mg per capsule. Charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that works by binding to substances in your digestive tract, and it's used for poisoning emergencies and investigationally for a few other digestive concerns.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin and magnesium stearate — which are standard binders and capsule materials.

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?
  • The label markets general wellness (“digestive aid”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.
  • 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 limited to specific uses. It's rated possibly effective for poisoning — which is why it's a cornerstone of emergency treatment after certain overdoses or accidental ingestions.

For other uses listed here — managing high blood phosphorus levels, wound healing, indigestion, hangovers, and high cholesterol — the evidence we hold is insufficient to rate how well it works. If you're thinking about charcoal for something other than a poisoning situation, talk it over with your doctor to see if the research supports it for your particular concern.

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 drawbacks. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: constipation is the most frequent complaint, though it's usually temporary.

You may also notice black stools, belly pain, bloating, or gas. Rarely, it can cause a blockage in the intestines or, if inhaled by accident, damage the lungs — both are serious.

Safety data in pregnancy and lactation are limited. The facts note it's possibly safe during pregnancy, but there isn't enough research to be certain — use only under medical guidance if you're pregnant or nursing.

The product carries a caution to check with your doctor or pharmacist before use because long-term safety isn't well studied.

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 you take this product, double-check any oral medications you're on — activated charcoal can significantly reduce how well many drugs work, affecting more than 2,000 medications in our data. If you use oral birth control, be aware that charcoal may lower its effectiveness and increase the risk of contraceptive failure.

And if you drink alcohol regularly, know that it can reduce charcoal's binding action. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you figure out safe timing or whether this product is right for you.

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.

Charcoal 260 mg may be right for you if you're dealing with a poisoning emergency under medical supervision. If you take any regular medications — especially birth control, heart drugs, seizure preventers, or pain relievers — you'll want to check them against the interaction list on this page before starting, or talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.

Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but expect possible constipation and black stools. For non-emergency uses, ask your doctor whether the evidence supports it for what you're trying to treat.

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 Jun 22, 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 Charcoal 260 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078001362
Net contents 200 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 295622
Product type Mineral
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Children 4 or More Years of Age, 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 Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals, 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
100
UPC/BARCODE
021078001362
IngredientAmount% DV
Charcoal520 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.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formulation

100% pure activated Digestive aid

Hypoallergenic: contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

Hypoallergenic: contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: 2 capsules, preferably after meals, up to 3 times daily, at first sign of internal imbalance. Take for no more than 3 consecutive days.

Charcoal should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking medication.

Precautions

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Caution: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or may become pregnant, or if you are taking any prescription medication (including oral contraceptives), consult your physician before using this product.

Not for children under 3 years of age.

May temporarily darken the stool.

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.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright Source Naturals, INC.

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

See for yourself

Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals label

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

Charcoal 260 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 Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals

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 container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Charcoal

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...

Charcoal monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Charcoal 260 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

Charcoal 2,027

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Charcoal 260 mg interact with 2,027 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Charcoal 260 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Charcoal

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Charcoal 260 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.

Charcoal3 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
Charcoal full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Charcoal 260 mg, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Charcoal 260 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Charcoal 260 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?
Charcoal 260 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 this charcoal interfere with my medications?
Yes, it can. Activated charcoal binds to many oral drugs and may reduce how much of them your body absorbs. The interaction can affect over 2,000 medications, including common pain relievers, heart drugs, and seizure preventers. Check your specific medications using the tool on this page, or ask your pharmacist before you start.
Can I take charcoal if I'm on birth control?
Activated charcoal may reduce how well oral contraceptives work by binding to the hormones and lowering their absorption. If you use birth control pills and want to try charcoal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safe timing or whether it's the right choice for you.
What are the side effects of activated charcoal?
The most common side effects are constipation, black stools, belly pain, bloating, and gas — mostly temporary and gastrointestinal. Rarely, it can cause a bowel blockage or be inhaled into the lungs, both serious. If you experience severe belly pain or trouble breathing, seek medical help right away.
Is charcoal safe during pregnancy?
The safety data are limited. Charcoal is rated possibly safe in pregnancy, but there isn't enough research to be certain. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it — they can advise you based on your individual situation.
What is activated charcoal actually used for?
Activated charcoal is rated possibly effective for poisoning — it's a standard emergency treatment after certain overdoses or accidental ingestions. For other uses listed here, like indigestion or hangovers, the evidence we hold is insufficient. If you're considering it for something other than poisoning, ask your doctor if research supports it for your needs.
Can alcohol affect how charcoal works?
Yes. Alcohol can lower the adsorptive capacity of charcoal — meaning it may reduce charcoal's ability to bind and remove substances. If you drink regularly, it's worth discussing with your doctor or pharmacist before you start this product.

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

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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.

Charcoal 260 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Charcoal 260 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

Charcoal 260 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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