evidence: Activated charcoal is available for oral suspension alone and with sorbitol added as a cathartic. Abdominal pain, vomiting, and excessive diarrhea are possible with sorbitol. Because of this, formulations with sorbitol should not be used when multiple doses of charcoal are planned, especially in young children and elderly patients due to the risk of dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities.11 Charcoal is also available in capsule form from health food stores, online, and pharmacies, and is intended to relieve cramping, bloating, and indigestion. The dose in these capsules (measured in milligrams) is well below the clinically used doses in poisonings (measured in grams), and home use of charcoal is not recommended for poisoning exposures. Charcoal is an easy and non-invasive treatment that can be applied to a wide variety of poisonings. It can be used for both gastrointestinal decontamination as well as enhanced elimination. Contact the Utah Poison Control Center with questions concerning charcoal use.