What is the most important information I should know about charcoal?
Do not take this medication if you have ever had an
allergic reaction to charcoal.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have liver or kidney disease, or any type of serious illness.
Stop taking charcoal and call your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or you
also have a fever.
Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2
hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and can
make them less effective, which could become dangerous.
What is charcoal?
Charcoal is used to treat stomach pain caused by excess gas, diarrhea, or indigestion.
Charcoal also is used to relieve itching associated with kidney dialysis treatment and to
treat overdoses of other medicines.
Charcoal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking charcoal?
Do not take this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to charcoal.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Charcoal may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 3 years old without the advice of
a doctor.
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