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Activated Charcoal

Adsorbent / Antidote
Last reviewed 21 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
4 available
Interactions
1 documented
Formulations
3

Mechanism of action

Highly porous form of carbon that adsorbs toxins, drugs, and chemicals in the GI tract, preventing systemic absorption; most effective within 1–2 hours of toxin ingestion

At a glance

Class
Adsorbent / Antidote
Schedule
OTC
Storage
Below 30°C, tightly sealed, protect from moisture

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Acute oral poisoning/toxin ingestion
Dose
1–5 g/kg
Route
PO, via orogastric tube
Frequency
Single dose; may repeat at half dose Q4–6H for sustained-release toxins
Max dose
200 g/dose; 400 g/day
Duration: 1–3 doses within 24 hours
🐈

Cat

Acute oral poisoning/toxin ingestion
Dose
1–3 g/kg
Route
PO, via orogastric tube
Frequency
Single dose; may repeat at half dose Q6–8H
Max dose
30 g/dose; 60 g/day
Duration: 1–2 doses within 24 hours
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

🧴

Suspension with sorbitol — 1

Strength
2g/10mL
💊

Powder — 1

Strength
bulk
Available in India
💊

Granules — 1

Strength
5g packet
Available in India

Storage

Below 30°C, tightly sealed, protect from moisture

Safety

Absolute contraindications — do not use

  • Caustic/corrosive ingestion (acids/alkalis)
    Risk of aspiration and obscures endoscopic assessment
  • Unprotected airway (obtunded patient without intubation)
    Aspiration pneumonia risk

Use with caution

  • Ingestion of substances not adsorbed (ethanol, metals, petroleum)
    Charcoal is ineffective for these

Adverse effects

Common
Vomiting
Black stool
Constipation
Serious
Aspiration pneumonia
Hypernatremia (with sorbitol-containing products)
GI obstruction (rare)

Monitoring parameters

Airway protectionGI motilityHydration statusToxin-specific monitoring
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Major — 1

Acetylcysteine (NAC)
major
Charcoal adsorbs NAC in the GI tract, rendering oral NAC ineffective for acetaminophen toxicity treatment.
Management: If both needed: give charcoal first for toxin adsorption, then give NAC IV (bypasses GI). If only oral NAC available, wait 1-2h after charcoal or give NAC at increased dose.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

ToxiBan
Lloyd Laboratories
ActaChar
Various

India

Carbomix
Beacon Pharma (import)
Activated Charcoal Powder
SD Fine Chemicals

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated Charcoal is a adsorbent / antidote used in pets. Highly porous form of carbon that adsorbs toxins, drugs, and chemicals in the GI tract, preventing systemic absorption; most effective within 1–2 hours of toxin ingestion
What is Activated Charcoal used for in pets?
Activated Charcoal is used in veterinary medicine for: Acute oral poisoning/toxin ingestion.
What is the Activated Charcoal dose for dogs?
For dogs, Activated Charcoal is typically dosed as follows — Acute oral poisoning/toxin ingestion: 1–5 g/kg PO/via orogastric tube Single dose; may repeat at half dose Q4–6H for sustained-release toxins. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Activated Charcoal dose for cats?
For cats, Activated Charcoal is typically dosed as follows — Acute oral poisoning/toxin ingestion: 1–3 g/kg PO/via orogastric tube Single dose; may repeat at half dose Q6–8H. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Activated Charcoal?
Common: Vomiting, Black stool, Constipation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Aspiration pneumonia, Hypernatremia (with sorbitol-containing products), GI obstruction (rare).
Does Activated Charcoal need a prescription?
Activated Charcoal is available over the counter. Even so, you should consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet.
When should Activated Charcoal not be used?
Do not use Activated Charcoal if: Caustic/corrosive ingestion (acids/alkalis); Unprotected airway (obtunded patient without intubation).
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

CDSCO approvals (India) — 1

gE Deleted Bovine Herpesvirus- 1 (BHV-1) Antigen Inactivated API Bulk Drug Subst
M/s Indian Immunological Limited Rakshapuram, Gachibowli Pos · Approved 27.01.2025
Raw Material New Bulk Drug Substance API NLT 8.0 EU/ml gE Deleted Bovine Herpesvirus -1 (BHV-1) Antigen Inactivated API
Source: CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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