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Description

Activated charcoal is a type of charcoal that has been treated with oxygen to open up millions of tiny pores between the carbon atoms. This increases its surface area and makes it more effective at trapping chemicals and toxins. It is commonly used to treat drug overdoses and accidental poisonings, as it binds to the toxins and prevents them from being absorbed into the body.

Common side effects of activated charcoal include constipation, black stools, and vomiting. It can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Associated brand names:
  ▸ Carbomax
  ▸ Actidose-Aqua
  ▸ CharcoAid
  ▸ CharcoCaps
  ▸ CharcoAid Plus
  ▸ CharcoAid-Aqua
  ▸ CharcoAid-Plus

Synonyms

• activated charcoal
• adsorbent charcoal
• charbon active
• decolorising charcoal
• medicinal charcoal

Classifications

• adsorbent
• gastrointestinal

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