Activated charcoal is an effective remedy for counteracting the effects of ingested poisons. It absorbs irritants in the stomach and intestines, which make it useful for other conditions, as well, such as diarrhea, indigestion and intestinal gas. Always contact a poison control center before treating a person who has been poisoned, or before trying to remedy a poisoning yourself. Each chemical or irritant is different.
Instructions
1. Only use this remedy if recommended by your poison control center, and only if the person who has ingested a poison is awake and able to swallow. If the charcoal is in a capsule form, the person may need to take 15 to 20 capsules for first aid, depending upon the toxicity of the ingested poison and the quantity taken. If the charcoal is in liquid form, follow the recommendations of the poison control center.
2. Activated charcoal in liquid form is a black drink. Have the person swallow the liquid as soon as possible after ingesting the poisoning. Because the type of poison, the size of the person and the time since ingestion all are factored into how much and how often to take the charcoal, it is recommended that treatment be given in accordance with the recommendations of a poison control center or local emergency room.
3. Even if using activated charcoal as an antidote for poisoning, it is a good idea to get the person to an emergency room as soon as possible for follow-up care. This is particularly important when dealing with child poisoning.
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