Activated charcoal tablets are an over-the-counter treatment used to adsorb certain types of toxic or poisonous substances from the body. This emergency treatment can be used by humans and animals. Patients poisoned by ingesting gasoline, iron, alcohol, boric acid or paint thinner should not use activated charcoal because this treatment is not effective against these corrosive substances, warns MayoClinic.com.
Vomiting
Approximately 60 percent of treated patients vomit following administration of activated charcoal tablets, reports the Washington Poison Center in Seattle. Vomiting is uncomfortable and can be accompanied by nausea or upset stomach. Patients who have ingested any type of poison and begin vomiting should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately.
Constipation or Diarrhea
Following treatment with activated charcoal tablets, certain patients can develop bowel movement changes, says Drugs.com, a peer-reviewed drug information website. Affected patients can experience difficulty producing a bowel movement, called constipation. Alternatively, certain patients may have frequent bowel movement urges that yield loose stools, called diarrhea. These side effects can also contribute to abdominal pain or bloating. Bowel movement changes can arise shortly after treatment with activated charcoal tablets and may persist for one to two days. Patients who ingest toxic substances should seek medical care immediately.
Stool Discoloration
Activated charcoal tablets can cause temporary stool discoloration as a side effect of treatment, says MayoClinic.com. WAPC officials report that treated patients can produce a dark or black-colored stool within two days of using activated charcoal tablets. If stool discoloration persists or worsens following treatment with activated charcoal tablets, affected patients should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
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