Activated charcoal
Also sold as: Carbomix
Prescription neededEmergency and antidotes
Comes as:PowderSuspensionTablet
Usual adult dose
For some poisonings: 50 g mixed with water, given by a health worker, best within 1 hour of swallowing the poison. Children: about 1 g per kg of body weight (no more than 50 g). It does not help with acids, alkalis, kerosene, alcohol or iron.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- black stools
- constipation
- vomiting
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- choking or breathing it into the lungs if the person is drowsy
- bowel blockage
Do not take it, or take care, if
- A drowsy or unconscious person whose airway is not protected
- Poisoning with acids, alkalis, kerosene or petrol
- Bowel blockage
Interactions
No important interactions are listed in our database. Still tell your doctor or pharmacist everything you take.