Hello Can We Take In Activated Charcoal Tablets, Around 1.5

Posted on Sat, 18 May 2019

Question: Hello
Can we take in Activated Charcoal tablets, around 1.5 gm per day, for detox, intestinal cleaning and digestion. I really feel very light after having activated charcoal and digestion also improves. Brand like Biocarbon.

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Hello
Can we take in Activated Charcoal tablets, around 1.5 gm per day, for detox, intestinal cleaning and digestion. I really feel very light after having activated charcoal and digestion also improves. Brand like Biocarbon.

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Having activated charcoal tablets after a meal .

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Having activated charcoal tablets after a meal .

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Sorry had wrong reports attached of one of my relative. Have removed it .

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Sorry had wrong reports attached of one of my relative. Have removed it .

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Charcoal after meals with plenty of liquids for gut cleansing.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask A Doctor services.
I have read your query and here is my advise.

* Activated Charcoal tablet can be consumed at times for gut clearance with due
precautions.

* Here are the salient points for particular matter

- Long term regular consumption is not recommended medically because there can be
development of dependence or low response.
- Should be consumed at night after meals with a glass of lukewarm drinking water for a
period of 3-4 days and stopped later on.
- Have to maintain hydration with plenty of liquids.
- In case of more watery diarrhea, have to stop further doses.
- Certain medications are not recommended with Charcoal as cough preparations and
others.
- Simultaneous use of alcohol and tobacco is not advisable.

Hope this information will help you.
Do feel free to discuss further regarding the same.

Dr Bhagyesh ( MS consultant surgeon )

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (30 hours later)

Hi doc
I dont take Alcoholo or tobacco. I take plenty of fluids. But i find daily use very beneficial in very low doses , like 500mg-1g.

What do you mean by below ? Kindly explain in detail

- Long term regular consumption is not recommended medically because there can be
development of dependence or low response.

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome for follow up.

* Dependence means the digestive tract depends upon the presence of Charcoal in the
system to boost the propulsion of fecal matter forward and the absence of same
makes discomfort in passage of stool.

* Low response means that over period of time, the receptors of the intestine get used
to Charcoal and through Pharmaco dynamic properties and mechanics, one gets lower
response than previous ones over a period of time.

I do not recommend daily low doses for long period of time, irrespective of its benefits, as long term sequence of medications matter a lot than short term gains.

Thanks.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (25 minutes later)

OK Doc. Understood. activated charcoal doesn't get absorbed by intestines right ? Also what should be the frequency in a month when i can take it for 3-4days ?

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

OK Doc. Understood. activated charcoal doesn't get absorbed by intestines right ? Also what should be the frequency in a month when i can take it for 3-4days ?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi

* Yes, activated Charcoal acts through the internal lumen surface of the gut through
senna particles rather than systemic absorption.

* Frequency can be 2-3 times a month for a period of 3-4 days.
Moral is to not let the body system be dependent upon that or become unresponsive to
the same for our future purpose only.

Wish you best health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Hi

* Point 1 is depicting that Charcoal is not absorbed in the systemic circulation.

* The main concern of side effect is abdomen cramps and diarrhea in some cases only.

Do feel free to discuss remaining doubts if any.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (3 minutes later)

Thanks Dr. Understood point 2. But dont understand point 1. Kindly explain point 1 in layman language.

Also there is no other side effect of taking activated charcoal other than the ones described above ?

Thanks . This is the last followup

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (0 minute later)