Activated charcoal is ineffective for which substances?

Activated charcoal is ineffective for which substances?

• A. Lithium
• B. Iron
• C. Alcohol
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing many toxins in the GI tract to prevent their absorption, but not all substances bind to it. It is effective for many organic compounds, but metals and alcohols don’t adhere well to the charcoal surface. Lithium and iron are metal ions, and alcohols are small, highly water-soluble molecules, so neither binds effectively to activated charcoal. Therefore, it won’t prevent absorption of these substances when ingested.

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing many toxins in the GI tract to prevent their absorption, but not all substances bind to it. It is effective for many organic compounds, but metals and alcohols don’t adhere well to the charcoal surface. Lithium and iron are metal ions, and alcohols are small, highly water-soluble molecules, so neither binds effectively to activated charcoal. Therefore, it won’t prevent absorption of these substances when ingested.