Which of the following is a common side effect of activated charcoal?

Activated charcoal is commonly used in emergency medicine to treat certain types of poisoning and overdose by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract. One of the side effects associated with activated charcoal administration is constipation. This occurs because activated charcoal can absorb water in the intestines, making stool less bulky and harder to pass. It's important for healthcare providers to monitor patients for this side effect when administered activated charcoal, as it can lead to discomfort and other complications if severe.

While activated charcoal can also lead to other gastrointestinal effects such as diarrhea in some cases, constipation is noted more frequently as a direct result of its binding properties and the reduction in gastrointestinal motility caused by the charcoal. Understanding these effects helps EMTs provide better care and guidance to patients following the consumption of activated charcoal.