sucralfate (oral) Health Article

Generic name(s):

sucralfate (oral)

Brand name(s):

sucralfate, Carafate

What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate?

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sucralfate. Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take sucralfate for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely cleared.

Avoid taking any other medications at the same time you take sucralfate. It is best not to take other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach.

If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.

What is sucralfate?

Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer medication.

Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.

Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.

Sucralfate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate?

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sucralfate. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether sucralfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take sucralfate?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take sucralfate with a full glass of water. Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely cleared. Store sucralfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

An overdose of sucralfate is not likely to produce life-threatening symptoms.