Which of the following adverse effects is associated with using activated charcoal?

Prepare for the Penn Foster Veterinary Pharmacology Exam. Get ready for your exam with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed!

Activated charcoal is commonly used in veterinary medicine as an antidote for certain types of poisoning or overdose. Its primary function is to adsorb toxins and prevent their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. However, one of its known adverse effects is vomiting.

When activated charcoal is administered, it can irritate the gastrointestinal lining or create a significant bulk in the stomach, leading to nausea and vomiting, especially if administered in large quantities or if the patient is already experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Thus, the likelihood of vomiting occurring as an adverse reaction to activated charcoal aligns with its pharmacological profile and mechanism of action.

It's important to note that while other adverse effects such as constipation or diarrhea can occur with activated charcoal due to its effects on the digestive system, they are less commonly reported in comparison to vomiting. The manifestation of vomiting is a more immediate and direct response to the gastric irritation or the bulk effect of the activated charcoal.

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