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Dietary supplement

Charcoal Powder Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Charcoal Powder label
See full label image
Powder 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 Charcoal Powder 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 Powder is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way 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 Powder by Nature's Way

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way

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. Charcoal is processed to become porous and is used to bind to substances in the digestive tract.

The product contains no other inactive ingredients listed.

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: binds unwanted materials and gas in digestive tract.
  • We looked for evidence on: Flatulence, Dyspepsia, 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 we hold shows activated charcoal is possibly effective for poisoning (such as acute overdose), which is its most studied use. For other purposes — including high blood phosphate levels, wound healing, upset stomach, hangover, and high cholesterol — the evidence is insufficient to rate effectiveness.

If you're considering this product for something beyond acute poisoning, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's the right choice for you.

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. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: constipation, black stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Constipation is usually temporary. Rarely, it can cause gastrointestinal obstruction.

Because activated charcoal reduces how well other substances are absorbed, long-term routine use isn't well studied. Pregnancy and lactation safety data are limited; it's rated possibly safe, but use only under medical guidance.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any concerns.

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 all oral medications (Major severity) — activated charcoal can reduce how much of them your body absorbs and make them less effective. Also flag oral contraceptives (Moderate) and any alcohol use (Moderate), since charcoal may reduce the pill's effectiveness and alcohol may reduce charcoal's binding ability.

Use the search tool on this page to verify your exact medications.

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 most established for acute poisoning. If you take any regular medications or birth control, you'll need to time this product carefully — usually at least 2 hours away from your other drugs — and check your exact medications first.

Constipation is common, and long-term routine use isn't well studied. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.

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 25, 2019.

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 Powder, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674121139
Net contents 1.9 oz.; 56 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 201274
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, 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 Powder by Nature's Way, 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:
0.5 tsp
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.5 tsp
Servings per container
70
UPC/BARCODE
033674121139
IngredientAmount% DV
Charcoal800 mg--

Other ingredients: None

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.
General Statements

Binds unwanted materials and gas in the digestive tract

BPA free

Packaged by weight, not volume. Settling of contents may occur.

Please use with care, this product may stain or discolor porous surfaces. Clean promptly if spilled.

Since 1969

Premium herbal

Product of France

Formula

Nature's Way Charcoal Powder is made from slowly burning coconut husks to create cavernous chambers that aid in adsorption. Nature's Way is committed to sourcing the best activated charcoal on the planet, and seeks out partners who prioritize sustainable sources of charcoal.

General

LG12113.01 BLK9102

Seals/Symbols

Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In The USA

Vegan

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Caution: Not to be taken at the same time as medications or other dietary supplements. If pregnant or nursing, consult a healthcare professional before use

This product is not intended as a treatment for accidental poisoning.

Formulation

Gluten Free. No sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Mix with your favorite beverage.

Recommendation: Take 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) (800 mg) once a day, 3-4 hours before/after meals, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

2018 Distributed by Nature’s Way Brands, LLC

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

See for yourself

Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way label

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

Charcoal Powder 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 Powder by Nature's Way

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

Serving size0.5 tsp Dosage formPowder Servings per container70 Amounts shown are per serving.

Charcoal

Interacts with
2,027 drugs
800 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: None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 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

Charcoal 2,027

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Charcoal Powder 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 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.

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 Powder, from the product label.

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Charcoal Powder by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 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?
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.
Will this reduce how well my prescription medications work?
Yes, possibly. Activated charcoal binds to many oral drugs and can reduce how much your body absorbs, which may lower their effectiveness. That's why spacing this product at least 2 hours away from your medications is important. Check your exact drugs with the tool on this page, and talk with your pharmacist about timing before you start.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Activated charcoal may reduce how well oral contraceptives work and increase the risk of contraceptive failure. If you use birth control pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you and how to use them safely together.
What are the most common side effects?
Gastrointestinal effects are most common: constipation (usually temporary), black stools, abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Rarely, it can cause more serious issues like intestinal blockage. If you experience severe or prolonged symptoms, talk with your doctor.
Is this safe to use long-term?
Activated charcoal is generally low-risk for short-term use, but it isn't well studied for routine, long-term use. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data are limited — it's rated possibly safe, but use only under medical guidance. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, so you can make a decision that's right for your situation.
Does activated charcoal actually work for hangovers or high cholesterol?
The evidence we hold shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate activated charcoal for those uses. If you're considering it for a specific health concern, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it's supported for your situation.

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 Powder label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Charcoal Powder’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 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

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