J L Bragg's medicinal charcoal biscuits

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How does it work?

Activated charcoal is a traditional remedy for treating excess stomach and intestinal gas. It works by attracting excess gas in the stomach and bowels, which binds to the surface of the charcoal powder. This relieves the discomfort caused by excess gas (flatulence), wind, indigestion and heartburn. The charcoal is not absorbed from the gut. Activated charcoal is also used in hospital emergency departments to treat poisoning. However, when used in this way, activated charcoal is given in much larger doses than those contained in this preparation. You should never attempt to treat poisoning yourself with this preparation. Cases of poisoning should always be taken directly to a hospital emergency department, where the most appropriate treatment can be administered.

What is it used for?

- Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)
- Heartburn
- Upset stomach characterised by stomach pain and burning, nausea and excess gas (dyspepsia)
- Wind

Warning!

- This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
- If you are taking any other medicines, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Not to be used in

- No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- No side effects have been reported with this medicine

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Activated charcoal has the potential to interact with most other medicines, because it can bind to them in the gut and prevent them being absorbed. This may depend on the dose of charcoal taken. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking activated charcoal, if you are taking any other medicines.

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