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The Effects of Charcoal Ingestion on the Body

As early as the 18th century, charcoal was reported as a treatment for poisonings and overdoses. Nearly 100 years later, a scientist showed no ill effects after swallowing strychnine and charcoal in front of the French Academy of Medicine. Of course, any drug may have side effects, and those can affect one patient differently than another.

  1. History and Use

    • Manufacturing methods for activated charcoal -- which is nearly pure carbon -- were developed in the early 20th century and the material is now cited as the main treatment for poisoning. Activated charcoal grains are twice as potent as tablets and have thousands of crevice-type areas to absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. Charcoal provides a stable binding environment for toxins and can prevent them from further degrading the body.

    Gastrointestinal System

    • In testing cited by Drugs.com, between 13 and 30 percent of patients who ingested charcoal experienced nausea and vomiting. Bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal tract perforation was also been reported. One study of 275 patients age 18 or younger found that more than 20 percent experienced vomiting within 120 minutes after ingestion.

    Respiratory System

    • Side effects of charcoal on the respiratory system have included bronchiolitis obliterans, an inflammatory lung disease of the small airways, or bronchioles; and empyema, a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the inside of the chest wall. Both were reported following post-emesis charcoal aspiration. Accidental administration of activated charcoal into the lungs has caused Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

    Drug Interactions and Side Effects

    • Milk, ice cream or sherbet may decrease the absorption power of charcoal, according to Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. The digestive tract specialists also recommend against taking charcoal near the time a patient has ingested acetaminophen, birth control pills or barbiturates. Also, do not administer charcoal with syrup of ipecac, as the charcoal will inactivate the ipecac. Mild side effects such as stomach upset may be prevented by taking the charcoal with food. Other side effects can include constipation, diarrhea and black stools. If even minor side effects continue, consult a physician.

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