Charcoal is used to relieve painful pressure caused by excess gas in the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Charcoal also is used to relieve itching associated with kidney dialysis treatment and to treat overdoses of other medicines.

Charcoal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take charcoal exactly as directed in the package instructions or as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

Do not crush, break, or chew the capsules. Swallow them whole.

Charcoal is usually taken after meals or at the first sign of discomfort.

Do not take more than 4.16 grams of charcoal in a day (16 capsules of 260 mg each).

Call your doctor if diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever.

Store charcoal at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could become dangerous.

Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could become dangerous.

An overdose with this medication is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect that an overdose of charcoal has occurred, call an emergency room or a poison control center for advice.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take your next regularly scheduled dose.

Do not take charcoal with any other medicine. Take your dose of charcoal at least 2 hours before or 1 hour after a dose of any other medicine. Charcoal binds to other drugs and reduces their effectiveness, which could become dangerous.

Do not take charcoal if diarrhea lasts for longer than 2 days or if it is accompanied by a fever. See your doctor.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

• have liver or kidney disease,

• have any type of serious illness,

• are pregnant, or

• are breast-feeding.

You may not be able to take charcoal, or you may require special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not used charcoal to treat a child younger than 3 years of age.

Your pharmacist has more information about charcoal written for health professionals that you may read.

Charcoal is available over the counter generically and under the brand name CharcoCaps in a capsule form. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.