Charcoal Capsules

What is this medication?

CHARCOAL (CHAR kole) may treat the symptoms of gas, such as fullness, pressure, and bloating. The FDA has not evaluated this supplement for any medical use. It may contain ingredients not listed. Discuss all supplements you are taking with your care team. They can provide you with important safety information.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Charcoal Plus DS, CharcoCap, CharcoCaps Anti-Gas

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Food or medication poisoning
• Frequently have diarrhea or gas
• Recent travel to another country
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to charcoal, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label.

Take any other medications, supplements, or vitamins at a different time of day than this medication. Take other products 2 hours before or 2 hours after this medication.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Ipecac

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Acarbose
• Aripiprazole
• Carbamazepine
• Dapsone
• Digoxin
• Estrogen or progestin hormones
• Herbal medicines or dietary supplements
• Olanzapine
• Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• Phenytoin
• Pindolol
• Theophylline
• Ursodeoxycholic acid

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 3 days, talk to your care team.

Do not use this medication to treat a poisoning or overdose. Get emergency help.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Black stools
• Constipation
• Dark or black tongue
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.