Self-Medication with Activated Charcoal

Reasons taken:

(1) to reduce gas and bloating

(2) to cleanse or detoxify the body (of an unspecified toxin)

Adverse effects:

(1) black discoloration of tongue and mouth (if not taken as capsules)

(2) bowel obstruction

(3) failure to absorb oral medications

(4) failure to absorb vitamins

(5) nausea and vomiting

(6) aspiration pneumonia

Risk factors for adverse effects:

(1) large doses

(2) frequent dosing

(3) taken within an hour of a prescribed medication