Activated charcoal is often used to treat overdose of a drug or poison, so it’s important that you know what type of substance was ingested before giving activated charcoal. Before administering this medicine, it is crucial that the person who has overdosed be assessed by medical professionals for possible ingestion and/or inhalation. The following are some substances where activated charcoal may be indicated: – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Carbon monoxide poisoning – Aspiration of stomach contents (vomiting) – Medications such as iron pills Benefits of Activated Charcoal: – It binds with many substances, trapping them in its large surface area and preventing them from being absorbed. – It is not absorbed by the body, so it cannot cause side effects such as constipation or liver problems. – When activated charcoal is administered soon after an overdose takes place, it can limit how much poison enters the bloodstream by binding to these toxins before they enter the blood vessels.” What You Shouldn’t Do: “Some people recommend giving a teaspoon of syrup of ipecac for every pound (0.45 kg) of weight if there are signs that your child may have ingested drugs or poisons – but this should only be done on medical advice,” says
