evidence: Given its use as a gastrointestinal absorbent in overdoses and poisonings, it follows that some people might propose activated charcoal as a treatment for diarrhea. In a 2017 review of recent studies on the use of activated charcoal for diarrhea, researchers concluded that it might be able to prevent bacteria and drugs that can cause diarrhea from being absorbed into the body by trapping them on its porous, textured surface. [...] Doctors administer activated charcoal to treat poisonings and overdoses. It can help to clear NSAIDs, sedatives, calcium channel blockers, dapsone, malaria medications, mild stimulants, and carbamazepine.