Adverse effects of activated charcoal used for the treatment of poisoning

The incidence of adverse effects of activated charcoal in poisoned patients is unclear. We performed a search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid to identify large cohorts, and both randomized and pseudorandomized controlled trials, finding nine articles. The most commonly described adverse events were vomiting, aspiration, and intubation. Activated charcoal did not increase the incidence of these adverse effects. Other adverse events such as bowel obstruction, corneal abrasions, electrolyte disturbances, and seizures were rarely reported in the trials. Activated charcoal was associated with few clinically significant adverse events in the treatment of poisoned patients.