What is one of the active ingredients in treating absorbed poisons?

The treatment of absorbed poisons often involves the use of activated charcoal, as it is an effective agent for binding many types of toxins present in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby preventing further absorption into the bloodstream. Activated charcoal works by adsorbing the poison and allowing it to be eliminated from the body through excretion.

In comparison, calamine lotion is primarily used for topical applications, such as treating skin irritations and rashes, rather than as a remedy for internal poisoning. Syrup of ipecac, once commonly used to induce vomiting in poison cases, is now less preferred due to potential complications and the availability of more effective treatments. Antibiotics are primarily used to treat bacterial infections, not for the direct treatment of absorbed poisons. Thus, activated charcoal remains a standard choice for addressing internally absorbed toxins.