Smart Shopping for Charcoal

Overview
Let's get one thing out of the way: Activated charcoal is one thing, and the kind you use from a bag to cook at a picnic is another. You knew that? Just checking.

You should also know that whether activated charcoal aids the digestive process or interrupts it and expels a dangerous substance in the body depends on how much a person ingests. It's a good thing to have in the medicine chest--and it's also very important to know how to use it properly.

What to Look For
First, if you're not familiar with charcoal, consider asking a pharmacist for a little advice first. However, you do not need a prescription for it. Some of the names you may find it sold under include Actidose-Aqua, Charcoaid, Charcoal Plus DS, Charcocaps, Insta-Char and Liqui-Char.

Because powdered charcoal is the fastest-acting, it's the choice for an emergency first-aid kit in case of poisoning. It may be harder to buy, though; it's often kept in the pharmacy and away from supplements and vitamins so it is not purchased in error.
Tablets or capsules are used as a digestive aid.

Charcoal is also sold as an ingredient in soaps. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it works well to absorb impurities, like an antibacterial soap, and moisturizes as well. People with sensitive skin and those suffering from skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema may also find relief in a charcoal soap.

Common Pitfalls
Although there are not too many pitfalls to buying charcoal, there are quite a few cautions regarding using it. If you're taking charcoal as a digestive aid, do not take it with any other medicine, as charcoal may combine with other medications and render them ineffective. For best results, take charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Always take charcoal with a full glass of water, and do not take more than 4.16g of charcoal in a day (16 capsules of 260 mg each).

Do not use charcoal if you have kidney disease or any serious illness, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you're using it as an antidote for poisoning, first call your local poison control center.