Sucralfate (By mouth)
soo-KRAL-fate
Treats ulcers.
Drug classes
Antiulcer, Protectant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Sucralfate is used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers. This medicine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Sucralfate works by forming a “barrier” or “coating” over the ulcer. This protects the ulcer from the acid of the stomach, allowing it to heal. Sucralfate contains an aluminum salt.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, sucralfate is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Gastric ulcers
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (a condition in which stomach acid washes back into the esophagus)
Stomach or intestinal ulcers resulting from stress or trauma damage or from damage caused by medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
Take your medicine on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, take the medicine 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.
Measure the oral liquid medicine using a measuring spoon or medicine cup.
Shake the oral liquid medicine well before using.
If a dose is missed:
Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you missed your dose.
If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
You should not use two doses at one time.
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:
Keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral liquid.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Antacids may be taken one-half hour before or after taking sucralfate.
You should not take other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate. If you need help deciding the best times to take your other medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
When Not To Use
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it.
Warnings
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
Check with your doctor before taking if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Swelling of the face or mouth
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Upset stomach, gas
Dizziness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Carafate, Sulcrate Suspension Plus
There may be other brand names for this medicine.