What is activated charcoal?
Activated charcoal (ToxiBan®) is a non-drug health product used to help manage poison ingestion in dogs and cats. Charcoal binds poisons in the stomach and intestinal tract, preventing the body from absorbing them. Some activated charcoal products may also contain kaolin, which also binds poisons in the gastrointestinal tract.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not review non-drug health products (e.g., herbals, nutraceuticals, shampoos, and other supplements) for safety or effectiveness before being sold to the public. Manufacturers of non-drug health products must ensure their products are safe and labeled accurately. The FDA requires that these non-pharmaceuticals contain a disclaimer that says, “This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
Health Canada licenses “veterinary health products” after reviewing safety, efficacy, and manufacturing information provided by the manufacturer. These products are not tested by Health Canada.
Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets. Just because a product is natural does not mean it is safe. All medicines and medicinal plants are potentially toxic if used inappropriately or given at high doses. Supplements can also have side effects, like pharmaceuticals. Few supplements and herbs have been subjected to rigorous scientific trials to determine their efficacy.
Although the information in this handout may be helpful, it also may be incomplete and may not represent the full range of effects the supplement could have on your pet.
How is this therapy given?
- This product is given orally, via a pre-made suspension, a paste, granules that can be mixed with food, or granules that can be mixed with water to form a suspension that can be syringe-fed.
- At a veterinary clinic, it may be given through a tube passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach.
- This medication may also be available in other forms.
- It may be given with or without food.
- Follow your veterinarian’s directions and measure liquid forms of this medication carefully.
This therapy should take effect within 1–2 hours of entering the gastrointestinal tract; however, effects may not be obvious.
Use caution with dry forms. Activated charcoal powder can move through the air easily and is a respiratory irritant for people and pets. Activated charcoal may permanently stain fur, clothing, and furniture.
What if I miss giving my pet the supplement?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.
Are there any potential side effects?
This therapy can cause black stools. Less serious adverse reactions could progress to more serious reactions if not treated. Less serious adverse reactions include:
- vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
Serious adverse reactions are less common if given as directed, but may include:
- dehydration
- low blood pressure (hypotension) – pet may seem tired, sluggish or weak
If this therapy is aspirated (breathed into the lungs instead of swallowed) during administration, or if the solution is vomited back up, it may cause respiratory distress and potentially death. Pets who aren’t fully conscious should receive this medication from a veterinary professional to ensure their airway is protected.
Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, discontinue use and contact your veterinarian immediately. This short-acting medication should stop working within 24 hours.
Are there any risk factors for this use of this product?
This product SHOULD NOT BE USED in patients who:
- have ingested certain poisons for which the product would be ineffective or dangerous, including paintballs, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and xylitol
- have an intestinal obstruction or significantly decreased intestinal motility
- are receiving chemotherapy
- are extremely dehydrated or in shock
- have acute kidney injury
- are allergic to it
This product SHOULD BE USED WITH EXTREME CAUTION in in patients who:
- are unconscious or have difficulty swallowing; these patients need to receive the product through a tube that protects their airway from aspiration
- already have clinical signs of poisoning
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Certain medications may interact with this product and so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking before starting any new treatment.
This product may decrease the effectiveness of other medications. Timing of administration may reduce this complication in some cases, but not all.
Some medications should be used with caution when given with this product, including:
- acepromazine
- butorphanol
- tramadol
- hydrocodone
- amitriptyline
- clomipramine
- atropine
- meclizine
Other products may reduce the efficacy of this product, including: dairy products, mineral oil, and polyethylene glycol solution (MiraLAX®).
Is any monitoring needed with this product?
- Monitor for signs of poisoning for as long as the poison is expected to have an effect.
- Monitor hydration and stool production to ensure your pet remains hydrated and is not developing constipation.
- Electrolyte measurement or other blood tests may be recommended at specific intervals; follow any recommendations from your veterinarian.
- At home, monitor for any side effects such as those noted above. If any side effects occur, discontinue the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately.
How do I store this product?
- Store in a tightly sealed container at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
- Keep the container out of reach of children and pets.
- Store compounded forms of this medication according to the label.
What should I do in case of emergency?
If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to this product, call your veterinary office immediately. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Be prepared to provide information about the product and your pet's weight and symptoms.
Adverse effects should also be reported to the FDA or Health Canada.
