Carafate

Uses

What is Carafate® (sucralfate) used for?

Carafate® is an anti-ulcer medication.

Carafate® 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.

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

Carafate® may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How should I take Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Take Carafate® exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Take Carafate® 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. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed.

How do I store Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Carafate® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Carafate® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Carafate® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Carafate® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
• You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
• You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Carafate® or other medications.
• You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.

You should not use Carafate® if you are allergic to sucralfate.

To make sure Carafate® is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
• Trouble swallowing tablets

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Carafate® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Carafate®. Carafate® is pregnancy risk category B, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

• A=No risk
• B=No risk in some studies
• C=There may be some risk
• D=Positive evidence of risk
• X=Contraindicated
• N=Unknown

Side effects

What side effects can occur from Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Carafate®: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common 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
• Back pain

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Carafate® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Carafate® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Carafate® (sucralfate)?

Carafate® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Carafate® (sucralfate).

What is the dose of Carafate® (sucralfate) for an adult?

Active Duodenal Ulcer

The recommended adult oral dosage for duodenal ulcer is 1 g (10 mL/2 teaspoons) four times per day. Carafate® should be administered on an empty stomach.

Antacids may be prescribed as needed for relief of pain but should not be taken within one-half hour before or after sucralfate.

While healing with sucralfate may occur during the first week or two, treatment should be continued for 4 to 8 weeks unless healing has been demonstrated by x-ray or endoscopic examination.

Maintenance Therapy:

The recommended adult oral dosage is 1 g twice a day.

What is the dose of Carafate® (sucralfate) for a child?

The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How is Carafate® (sucralfate) available?

Carafate® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Oral suspension: sucralfate 1g in 10mL
• Tablet: sucralfate 1g

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Carafate®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.