Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal is powdered charcoal that has no odor or flavor and is a common antidote used in hospitals for certain ingested poisons. It helps prevent the absorption of many poisons from the gastrointestinal tract but does not significantly impair the absorption of other poisons, such as alcohols, cyanides, iron and other metals, corrosives, and most types of pesticides.

Activated charcoal is not recommended for use at home.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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