What is the main purpose of administering activated charcoal in a poisoning case?

The main purpose of administering activated charcoal in a poisoning case is to absorb toxins and prevent their absorption into the system. Activated charcoal is specifically designed to bind with certain types of toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing their bioavailability and subsequent absorption into the bloodstream. This is particularly effective for various ingested poisons and drugs, allowing the activated charcoal to act as a protective barrier against harmful substances.

When activated charcoal is administered soon after ingestion, it can significantly reduce the potential effects of the poison, as it facilitates the elimination of toxins before they can enter systemic circulation. This action makes it a critical component in the management of many poisoning cases.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the primary function of activated charcoal. While preventing vomiting may sometimes occur depending on the scenario, it is not the intended use of activated charcoal. Inducing diarrhea is also not the primary purpose of activated charcoal; it does not work by causing diarrhea or by neutralizing the poison in the stomach. Rather, its efficacy lies in its ability to adsorb poisons, thus safeguarding the body from further harm.