Which of the following is NOT a property of activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is primarily used in veterinary medicine for its ability to adsorb toxins, thereby preventing their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly effective for various types of poisons and medications but is less effective for certain heavy metals and caustic substances.

The correct answer highlights that activated charcoal must not be given with food. When activated charcoal is administered in conjunction with food, it may become less effective because the food can interfere with the charcoal's ability to bind to toxins. Therefore, it is recommended to administer activated charcoal on an empty stomach to maximize its efficacy in toxin absorption.

In contrast, activated charcoal does indeed absorb toxins from the gastrointestinal tract and may sometimes be marketed as a suspension agent in certain formulations. However, it is crucial to understand its limitations regarding heavy metals, as other treatments may be more effective for those specific types of poisoning.