Pharmaceutical companies process pure carbon to make activated charcoal, which is highly absorbent of particles and gases in the body's digestive system. Under a microscope activated charcoal can be seen to have many small chambers and cavities that add up to an extensive surface area. These are perfect for catching and trapping the large molecules of most toxic substances, which is why charcoal is also used in air and water filters. Activated charcoal has been recognized as an effective poison antidote since the early 1830s, when a French pharmacist shocked a group of medical colleagues by gulping down a hefty dose of strychnine (more than enough to kill him) that was mixed with finely ground charcoal. The charcoal saved his life and has since saved the lives of many others who have consumed toxic levels of chemicals (including household cleansers) and drugs (including sedatives, narcotics, and painkillers). Veterinarians also administer activated charcoal to animals that have taken certain poisons, including dogs that have eaten too much chocolate.

Researchers have determined that activated charcoal effectively neutralizes fluoxetine (Prozac), one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants, and should be administered in cases of fluoxetine overdose.

A pediatric study recently noted that activated charcoal has replaced syrup of ipecac as the gastrointestinal decontamination method of choice, although activated charcoal has poor palatability and poses acceptability and administration problems with children. Researchers have also begun to test activated charcoal as a drug delivery system for certain gastric cancers because of charcoal's ability to specifically target tumor and lymph-node tissues.

Charcoal works by adsorption. That is, it collects substances in a condensed form on a surface, as distinct from absorption, which is to take in and incorporate or assimilate a substance. Activated charcoal slides through the stomach and intestines without itself being absorbed. On its way, however, it binds with toxins, wastes, and other substances (including pharmaceutical drugs and nutritional supplements) and then is excreted along with them by the body. It further prevents toxins from being absorbed into the bloodstream by coating intestinal walls. Activated charcoal should be taken within an hour of poison ingestion for it to be an effective antidote, according to a recent joint position statement by American and European societies of clinical toxicologists.

 

High doses of activated charcoal can bind with and eliminate healthful substances, such as vitamins, hormones, medications, and nutrients. Although charcoal is used for various types of poisonings, it is neither a poison panacea nor a universal antidote. It won't adsorb cyanide, and is it not recommended for potentially corrosive substances such as certain acids or alkalis. Always check with a poison control center or medical professional before ingesting large doses of activated charcoal to neutralize a poison.

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References

1.  

   Atta-Politou, J., et al., "An in vitro evaluation of fluoxetine adsorption by activated charcoal and desorption upon addition of polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution," J Toxicol Clin Toxicol (1998), 36(1-2):117-24

2.  

   Chyka, P.A., and D. Seger, "Position statement: single-dose activated charcoal. American Academy of Clinical Toxicology; European Association of Poisons Centres and Clinical Toxicologists," J Toxicol Clin Toxicol (1997), 35(7):721-41

3. Shah, I.A., et al., "Variability of mitomycin C adsorption by activated charcoal," J Pharm Pharmacol (1998), 50(3):251-56
4. West, L., "Innovative approaches to the administration of activated charcoal in pediatric toxic ingestions," Pediatr Nurs (1997), 23(6):616-19