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Activated Charcoal

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Activated charcoal, available in black powder or liquid form, keeps your body from absorbing certain drugs or poisons swallowed by accident. The drugs or poisons stick to the charcoal and pass out of your body with it during regular bowel movements. Stools and anything thrown up will be black until all the charcoal has cleared the body.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • To prevent constipation, your first dose of charcoal may be mixed with a laxative.
  • You may also be able to avoid constipation by drinking plenty of liquids.

Call Your Doctor If...

  • You have stomach pain that lasts several days.
  • You have not had a bowel movement in several days.
  • Your vomiting does not stop for several days.
  • You have a fever and stomach pain accompanied by constipation.
  • You notice blood in your stools.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • You have trouble breathing or have severe stomach pain.
  • You feel like you are going to pass out.
  • You develop a high temperature.
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