Generic Name: sucralfate (oral) (soo KRAL fate)Brand Names: Carafate
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.
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.
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.See also: Carafate dosage in more detail
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.
An overdose of sucralfate is not likely to produce life-threatening symptoms.
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.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, indigestion;
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. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taking sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb many other medications, especially:
cimetidine (Tagamet);
digoxin (digitalis, Lanoxin);
levothyroxine (Synthroid);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
quinidine (Quinaglute, Quinidex, Quin-Release);
ranitidine (Zantac);
tetracycline (Brodspec, Panmycin, Sumycin, Tetracap);
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, and others);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with sucralfate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.