How to Drink Activated Charcoal Powder

Co-authored by Lisa Bryant, ND and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: February 11, 2022 References

Activated charcoal powder can alleviate excess gas and bloating, but it can also help treat accidental poisoning. When taking this supplement to soothe your GI tract, try mixing the powder into your beverage of choice or just taking a charcoal capsule orally. Since this powder neutralizes both medicines and toxins in the body, use caution when adding this ingredient to your health regimen. On an occasional basis, activated charcoal powder might be a great solution for your ailment!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Mixing with Drinks to Alleviate Bloating

1
Drink the dissolved powder to relieve GI distress. If antacids and other over-the-counter medications don’t seem to help your stomach cramps and bloating, try using activated charcoal powder instead. Like other common medications and supplements, activated charcoal powder can be found at your local drugstore.^{[1]
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- If you’re taking important medications, talk to your doctor before using this supplement.
2
Pour a glass of water or juice between meals. Fill a medium-sized glass or cup with the beverage of your choice. Since you're taking activated charcoal powder as a treatment, opt for clear liquids like fruit juice or water. Get your drink ready several hours after your last meal, so your stomach is empty.^{[2]
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- If you drink activated charcoal powder with food, you might end up feeling constipated later on.
- Since activated charcoal powder works as a bonding agent, it can bond and neutralize the nutrients in your food if you take it with a meal.
- Mix at least 10 millilitres (0.34 fl oz) of water or juice to dissolve your dose of activated charcoal powder.^{[3]
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3
Mix 2 capsules of charcoal into the beverage. Twist or cut open the capsule over the drink to release the charcoal powder. Use a spoon to mix the powder into the juice or water, allowing the charcoal to dissolve. Continue stirring until the charcoal appears fully dissolved, and no more powder is visible.^{[4]
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- If you're giving the powder to children, double-check the bottle for dosage information.
4
Drink the entire glass of activated charcoal mixture. Once the powder dissolves, drink all of the juice or water until the glass is empty. If there's any leftover charcoal powder at the bottom of the glass, pour in 1 cm (0.39 in) or so of water to dissolve the excess powder. Always double-check the glass to make sure you've drunk all the dissolved charcoal.^{[5]
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- If you don't drink the entire dosage, the powder might not be as effective.
5
Swallow activated charcoal capsules with a drink if you don’t want to taste it. Take the capsule orally in the same way that you'd take any other pillow capsule. Swallow 1 dose of the charcoal at a time, so you don't choke on pills accidentally.^{[6]
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- Try taking the capsules with juice if you'd like to disguise the texture of the capsule in your mouth.
6
Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours of drinking this. Note any daily medications you take, and adjust your schedule to take them earlier or later in the day. Since activated charcoal works as a bonding agent, it can neutralize your medications if they’re taken close together.^{[7]
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- If you're experienced gassiness or bloating immediately after taking your medication, opt for an antacid or other OTC treatment option.
7
Don't take this supplement on a daily basis. Keep activated charcoal powder capsules in your home for emergencies or occasional use. You don't have any reason to take this medication unless you're suffering from bloating, or if you need to rapidly detox your body. Instead, use this powder sparingly, following the dosage instructions whenever you use it.^{[8]
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- If you have a lot of issues with bloating and cramps, talk to your doctor. There might be a more productive, long-term solution that you can look into besides charcoal powder.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Taking Activated Charcoal for Accidental Poisoning

1
Contact a poison control center or emergency room first for advice. Tell the poison control specialist or doctor about what poisonous substance you swallowed, how much you had, and how long ago you had it, if you know them. They will advise you how much activated charcoal you need or any additional steps you need to take for treatment.^{[9]
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- If you’re in the United States, you can call 1-800-222-1222 to talk to Poison Control 24 hours a day.
2
Mix a dose of activated charcoal with a glass of water. Use a standard 8 fluid ounces (240 ml) glass or water bottle to mix your solution. Pour a single dose of the powder into the glass or bottle and mix it together. If you’re using a glass, stir the solution with a spoon until it’s combined. If you have a bottle, put the cap on and shake it so the powder and water mix.^{[10]
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- If you’re a teenager or adult, use a 25–50-gram dose of activated charcoal.
- If you’re under the age of 12, take 25–50 grams of activated charcoal.
Warning: Don’t give an infant activated charcoal unless you’re under the supervision of a physician.
3
Drink the entire glass of water to get the full dose. Take the whole dose as soon as you’re possible so it can start absorbing the toxins in your system. As you drink the mix, swirl and stir the glass so none of the charcoal settles on the bottom. If you still see charcoal at the bottom of the glass after you finish drinking it, fill the glass again and drink it to get the whole dose.^{[11]
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- If you’ve been advised to take ipecac syrup as well as activated charcoal, take the ipecac syrup first and wait until you stop vomiting, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
4
Don’t take other medications for 2 hours after a dose. Activated charcoal can absorb other medications in your system and make them ineffective. If you need to take a prescription medication, take it 2 hours before or after the activated charcoal so it has time to get into your system.^{[12]
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Things You’ll Need

Medium-sized glass
Water or juice
Activated charcoal capsules
Spoon

Warnings

Contact a Poison Control center or emergency before using activated charcoal for accidental poisoning to get advice from a professional.

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Charcoal is not the same as activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has been treated with oxygen while regular charcoal has not.

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