Note: This document contains side effect information about charcoal. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Optimum Charcoal.
Applies to charcoal: oral capsule. Other dosage forms:
- oral liquid
Serious side effects of Optimum Charcoal
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other side effects of Optimum Charcoal
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dark stools.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to charcoal: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral delayed release tablet, oral granule for reconstitution, oral powder for reconstitution, oral suspension, oral tablet.
Gastrointestinal
Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal obstruction (with multiple dose therapy), bowel obstruction (secondary to antiperistaltic effects of carbamazepine overdose)[Ref]
Respiratory
Frequency not reported: Airway obstruction (after aspiration of charcoal (the active ingredient contained in Optimum Charcoal) including fatalities), bronchiolitis obliterans resulting in death (several weeks after charcoal aspiration)[Ref]
