What is the route of administration for activated charcoal?

• A. IV
• B. PO (oral)
• C. IM
• D. Topical

Answer: (D)

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, so it must be delivered into the stomach and intestines to do its job. Because of that, the route of administration is oral (by mouth), or through a gastric tube if the patient cannot swallow safely. It is not given by IV, IM, or topical routes because those methods don’t place charcoal where ingested substances reside, and charcoal isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. Use is limited to conscious patients who can protect their airway and swallow, and it’s typically considered only for certain ingestions within a short time window, with contraindications such as altered mental status or caustic/hydrocarbon ingestions.