Activated Charcoal

What is this medication for?

• stomach/intestinal decontamination after oral toxin/drug ingestion — reduces systemic absorption

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

• Always recommend consulting an animal poison control center for specific protocol before use — appropriateness and dosing vary significantly by the specific toxin involved.
• Charcoal stains everything it touches and the dry powder "floats" — handle carefully in clinic to avoid a mess.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Black feces, constipation or diarrhea (esp. with sorbitol-containing products) (Common, expected)
• Vomiting/aspiration if administered too rapidly (Risk factor — administer slowly, protect airway if sedated)
• Hypernatremia (Documented, especially in small dogs/cats)

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Any new symptom that worries you.

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Not effective for mineral acids/alkalis, ethanol, methanol, iron salts, lithium, nitrates, sodium chloride/chlorate, petroleum distillates
• has or has had: May obscure stomach/intestinal lesions on subsequent endoscopy; watch for hypernatremia (tremors, wobbliness/unsteadiness, seizures) especially in small patients

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • Any other oral medication
  • Dairy products, mineral oil
  • Polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solutions (e.g., GoLYTELY)

Storage and handling

Well-closed glass or metal container, or manufacturer's original packaging.

Good to know

• Always recommend consulting an animal poison control center for specific protocol before use — appropriateness and dosing vary significantly by the specific toxin involved.
• Outpatient use requires the owner to monitor for at least 4 hours for signs of hypernatremia (weakness, unsteadiness, tremors, seizures) and seek immediate care if these occur.
• Charcoal stains everything it touches and the dry powder "floats" — handle carefully in clinic to avoid a mess.