Objective To evaluate the applicability of activated charcoal in treatment of oral poisoning. Methods The feasibility of clinical manipulation and tastiness of 4 forms of activated charcoal were investigated, with different dosage forms in 35 nurses and 50 volunteers, respectively. The feasibility of the clinical manipulation was assessed by gastrelavage time and block numbers of stomach duet,and the tastiness by volunteers' taking orally. Results The gastrolavage time (151.8±17.8) s for powder, (96.9±24.80) s for suspension, (319.0±82.4) s for tablet and (314.3±93.3) s for suspension(P <0.001). Conclusion There are significant differences in the applicability of activated charcoal in different dosage forms. The suspension is the best form in feasibility. Capsule and tablet are better than powder and suspension in tastiness. Suspension and powder are the worst to accept.