C
Pronunciation: CHAR-kole/sye-METH-i-kone
Generic Name: Charcoal
Brand Name: Examples include Bicarsim and Bicarsim Forte
Charcoal is used for:
Relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Charcoal is an antiflatulent and adsorbent combination. It works by breaking up gas bubbles, which makes the gas easier to eliminate.
Do NOT use Charcoal if:
you are allergic to any ingredient in Charcoal
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Charcoal:
Some medical conditions may interact with Charcoal. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Charcoal. However, no specific interactions with Charcoal are known at this time.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Charcoal may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Charcoal:
Use Charcoal as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Charcoal as needed after meals and at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Charcoal may interfere with the absorption of many other medicines. Talk to your doctor about taking Charcoal 2 hours before or after taking any other medicine.
If you miss a dose of Charcoal and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Charcoal.
Important safety information:
Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
If your condition persists, contact your doctor.
Charcoal may cause your stools to turn black.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Charcoal, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Charcoal during pregnancy. It is unknown if Charcoal is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are taking Charcoal, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Charcoal:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; temporary darkening of the stool; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Charcoal:
Store Charcoal at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Avoid temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Keep Charcoal out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
If you have any questions about Charcoal, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Charcoal is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Charcoal. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Issue Date: February 1, 2012
Database Edition 12.1.1.002
Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
More Charcoal resources
Charcoal Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Charcoal Drug Interactions
Charcoal Support Group
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