CHARCOAL

An Alternative Medicine
 Activated Charcoal is a fine black odorless and tasteless
powder made from wood or other materials that have been
exposed to very high temperatures in an airless environment.
It is then treated, or activated, to increase its ability to adsorb
various substances by reheating with oxidizing gas or other
chemicals to break it into a very fine powder. Activated
charcoal is pure carbon specially processed to make it highly
adsorbent of particles and gases in the body's digestive
system.
Activated charcoal has often been used since
ancient times to cure a variety of ailments
including poisoning. Its healing effects have
been well documented since as early as 1550
B.C. by the Egyptians. However, charcoal was
almost forgotten until 15 years ago when it
was rediscovered as a wonderful oral agent to
treat most overdoses and toxins.

History
 USES
Charcoal is used to treat stomach pain caused by excess gas,
diarrhea, or indigestion.
Charcoal also is used to relieve itching related to kidney dialysis
treatment and to treat poisoning or drug overdose.
Activated charcoal's most important use is for treatment of
poisoning. It helps prevent the absorption of most poisons or drugs
by the stomach and intestines.
In addition to being used for most swallowed poisons in humans,
charcoal has been effectively used in dogs, rabbits, rats, and other
animals, as well. It can also adsorb gas in the bowels and has been
used for the treatment of gas or diarrhea.
By adding water to the powder to make a paste, activated charcoal
can be used as an external application to alleviate pain and itching
from bites and stings.
Activated charcoal is also used to induce vomiting in adults who
have attempted suicide by taking an overdose of antidepressants,
barbiturates, or benzodiazepine tranquilizers.
 How should I take charcoal?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by

your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts
or for longer than recommended. Follow the
directions on your prescription label.
Take this medicine with a full glass (8
ounces) of water. Do not crush, break, or
chew a charcoal tablet or capsule. Swallow
the pill whole.
Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at
the first sign of stomach discomfort.
Store charcoal at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
 …Precautions

You should not use 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.
In a poisoning or overdose situation, make sure any doctor caring for you
afterward knows that you have received this medication.
If you are taking charcoal at home to treat diarrhea, stop taking it and call
your doctor if your diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or you also have a fever.
Charcoal may interfere with the absorption of medications and nutrients
such as vitamins or minerals. For uses other than for treatment of poisoning,
charcoal should be taken two hours after other medications. Charcoal binds
to other drugs and can make them less effective, which could become
dangerous.
Activated charcoal may cause swelling or pain in the stomach. A doctor
should be notified immediately. It has been known to cause problems in
people with intestinal bleeding, blockage or those people who have had
recent surgery. These patients should talk to their doctor before using
this product.
Charcoal should not be used to treat poisoning caused by such corrosive
products as lye or other strong acids or petroleum products such as
gasoline, kerosene, or cleaning fluids. Charcoal may make the condition
worse and delay diagnosis and treatment. In addition, charcoal is also not
effective if the poison is lithium, cyanide, iron, ethanol, or methanol.
Parents should not mix charcoal with chocolate syrup, sherbet, or ice
cream, even though it may make charcoal taste better. These foods may
prevent charcoal from working properly.
Charcoal should not be used in children under three years of age to treat
diarrhea or gas.
Charcoal may be less effective in people with slow digestion.
 Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing;
swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Charcoal may cause constipation when taken for a
drug overdose or accidental poisoning. A laxative
should be taken after the crisis is over.
Activated charcoal may cause the stool to turn black.
This side effect is to be expected.
Patients should consult a doctor if they have pain or
swelling of the stomach.
Presented by:
Jennifer T. Ege
Fatima Nurfaida J. Jandul
Lirio Gay V. Tubil
Ivy Kris H. Zorrilla