An activated carbon preparation suitable for oral administration as an intestinal adsorbent was prepared by drying spherical beads of 48 to 250 mesh in which 8% activated carbon powder was dispersed. The final preparation, dried activated carbon beads containing about 67% activated carbon in agar, consists of fine granules with good flow properties and is free from many of the handling problems associated with fine charcoal powders. The in vitro adsorption characteristics of the original fine powder were essentially retained when salicylic acid and acetaminophen were used as adsorbates, including the rate of adsorption and the enhancing effect of sodium chloride on the adsorption of salicylate ions. Administration of the beads to rats caused a statistically significant reduction in plasma salicylate level at about 2 h after administration, and no greater reduction was observed with the powder. These results indicate that the preparation is a promising candidate as an intestinal adsorbent.