Generic Name: sucralfate (oral) (soo KRAL fate)
Brand Names: Carafate
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 purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate?
Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed. Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take sucralfate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids 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 should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate?
To make sure you can safely take sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes;
kidney disease; or
if you are on dialysis.
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 exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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. Measure the liquid with a special dose-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 medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
See also: Carafate dosage (in more detail)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours after you take sucralfate. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking sucralfate?
Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take sucralfate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids 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.
Sucralfate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
stomach pain;
constipation, diarrhea;
mild itching or skin rash;
sleep problems (insomnia);
dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation;
headache; or
back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect sucralfate?
Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if you are taking:
cimetidine (Tagamet);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
levothyroxine (Synthroid);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
quinidine (Quin-G);
ranitidine (Zantac);
tetracycline (Ala-Tet, Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap);
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl, and others);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven); or
certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and others.
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with sucralfate. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Carafate resources
- Carafate Side Effects (in more detail)
- Carafate Dosage
- Carafate Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Carafate Drug Interactions
- Carafate Support Group
- 11 Reviews for Carafate - Add your own review/rating
- Carafate Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Carafate Consumer Overview
- Carafate Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Carafate MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Carafate Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Sucralfate Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Sucralfate Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
Compare Carafate with other medications
- Duodenal Ulcer
- Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis
- GERD
- Hyperphosphatemia of Renal Failure
- Stomach Ulcer
- Stomatitis
- Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about sucralfate.
See also: Carafate side effects (in more detail)
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