Activated Charcoal
Definition: A black powder made from heated carbon that can absorb certain swallowed poisons in the stomach before they enter the bloodstream. Activated charcoal is sometimes given in hospitals for specific types of poisoning but it is no longer a recommended home treatment, and it should never be given to a child without direct guidance from Poison Control or a doctor.
Parent Tip: If your child has swallowed something potentially harmful, do not give activated charcoal at home even if you have it in your medicine cabinet. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 first. They will tell you exactly what to do, and in most cases, charcoal is not the right answer. In my own service area, we no longer even carry activated charcoal on the ambulance because current guidelines have moved away from it for routine use. Giving it to a child who is sleepy, vomiting, or unconscious can cause it to go into the lungs, which is a serious complication.
Why It Matters: Activated charcoal used to be commonly recommended for home use in poisoning cases, but current pediatric guidelines have moved away from this for safety reasons. It only works for certain poisons, only within a short time window after ingestion, and only when given safely under medical supervision. Poison Control will tell you whether charcoal is appropriate in your specific situation.
Related Terms: Emergency Plan, Ipecac Syrup, Over-the-Counter Medicine, Poison, Poison Control, Vomiting
Written and reviewed by Jeremy Manke, Firefighter / Paramedic (22 years of emergency service)