Activated charcoal
Detox · GI adsorbent
Tier C
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Activated charcoal as C (4.8/10) based on very weak evidence, low benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Legitimate role in ED poisonings (ingestions within ~1 hour, non-toxic airway).
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: Acute poisoning: 1 g/kg initial; biohacker use varies — OTC / hospital use; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Legitimate role in ED poisonings (ingestions within ~1 hour, non-toxic airway). Activated charcoal remains within the gastrointestinal tract; evidence does not support systemic "detox" claims. Can absorb medications taken around the same time — space by 2+ hours. Post-food-poisoning use is anecdotal and lacks controlled outcome evidence.
Mechanism
Highly porous activated carbon; enormous surface area (~1000 m²/g); adsorbs many toxins, drugs, and chemicals in GI tract; cannot access systemic compartment — only intercepts in gut
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
Acute poisoning: 1 g/kg initial; biohacker use varies
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Activated charcoal's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Activated charcoal as Very Weak and the benefit magnitude as low, producing an overall grade of C (4.8/10). Legitimate role in ED poisonings (ingestions within ~1 hour, non-toxic airway).
- What safety findings are reported for Activated charcoal?
- Activated charcoal has a low risk profile in the database. Low (black stools expected; constipation; interferes with absorption of medications — dose separation critical) Legal status: OTC / hospital use.
- What doses or routes are reported for Activated charcoal?
- Acute poisoning: 1 g/kg initial; biohacker use varies This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Activated charcoal work?
- Highly porous activated carbon; enormous surface area (~1000 m²/g); adsorbs many toxins, drugs, and chemicals in GI tract; cannot access systemic compartment — only intercepts in gut
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.