Activated charcoal indications include which of the following?

• A. Oral poisoning and medication overdoses
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Bacterial infection

Answer: (A)

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing many organic toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, so giving it soon after ingestion can limit how much of the substance enters the bloodstream. This makes it useful for oral poisonings and medication overdoses where the substance binds to charcoal and the patient presents within a suitable time window. In those scenarios, charcoal can reduce peak plasma concentrations and help prevent further absorption. It does not treat hypertension, hypoglycemia, or bacterial infections, which require targeted therapies for their underlying problems, not a gastrointestinal adsorbent. It’s also not effective for many non-adsorbable substances (like alcohols or heavy metals) and carries risks such as aspiration if airway protection isn’t ensured. Hence, the indication described—oral poisoning and medication overdoses—is the best match.