Charcocaps

Common charcoal comes from wood, coconut shell, peat, coal, or petroleum. "Charcocaps" is a special form of common charcoal that has pores to trap other chemicals and stop them from being absorbed by the body.

Charcocaps is used to treat certain types of chemical poisonings.

Charcocaps has also been used in alternative medicine for helping with gas and indigestion.

It is not known if Charcocaps is effective in treating any medical condition. The FDA has not approved this product for medicinal use. This medicine should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Charcocaps is often sold as an herbal supplement. Many herbal compounds do not have regulated manufacturing standards, and some supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a trustworthy source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Charcocaps may also be used for purposes not mentioned in this product guide.

Call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 before using Charcocaps to treat a poisoning.

When thinking about using activated charcoal, ask your doctor for advice. You may also want to consult someone who is trained in herbal/health supplements.

If you decide to use Charcocaps, follow the instructions on the package or those given by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid). Measure a dose with the provided measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

The granules or powder must be mixed with liquid before you swallow them.

To treat a poisoning in someone who has taken ipecac syrup to make them vomit, wait until they have vomited before giving Charcocaps.

Do not try to treat poisoning in someone who is having seizures or is not fully conscious. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

To treat indigestion or gas, Charcocaps is usually taken right before meals or after eating foods that might cause stomach discomfort. Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on the product label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

Do not use this product without medical advice to treat poisoning. Charcocaps may cause more serious problems if used to treat poisoning caused by certain chemicals such as turpentine, lye, strong acids, kerosene, gasoline, paint thinner, cleaning fluid, or furniture polish.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product for other conditions if you have ever had:

• slow digestion; or
• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines).

Ask a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If possible during an emergency, tell your medical caregivers if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, Charcocaps is thought to be likely safe for most people when used for a short period of time, and possibly safe when used long term.

Charcocaps may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe constipation;
• severe heartburn or sore throat; or
• dehydration -- dizziness, confusion, feeling very thirsty, less urination or sweating.

Common side effects of Charcocaps may include:

• constipation; or
• black stools.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Charcocaps is taken as needed. If you miss a dose while following a dosing schedule, just skip it. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Do not drink alcohol.

Charcocaps can make it harder for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Take your dose of this medicine at least 1 to 2 hours before or after taking other medicines by mouth.

Other drugs may affect Charcocaps, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.