Sucralfate

Uses

What is sucralfate used for?

Sucralfate is a gastric protective agent. It works by forming the protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts, and enzymes in the stomach.

Sucralfate is commonly used for short-term (up to 8 weeks) treatment of certain intestinal ulcers. It is also used in patients that have had certain intestinal ulcers to prevent further development of more ulcers.

Sucralfate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How should I take sucralfate?

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use sucralfate.

• Use sucralfate as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• Take sucralfate by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Do not take an antacid for at least 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.
• It may take 4 to 8 weeks for complete healing of your ulcer to occur. Continue to take sucralfate even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Do not take sucralfate at the same time as other medicines. Take it at least 2 hours after other medicines. If you are not sure about the best time to take sucralfate, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How do I store sucralfate?

Sucralfate is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store sucralfate in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of sucralfate 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 sucralfate 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 sucralfate?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sucralfate, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in sucralfate tablets or liquid. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough information about the safety of using sucralfate during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking sucralfate.

Side effects

What side effects can occur from sucralfate?

Sucralfate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Constipation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• Hives
• Rash
• Itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips

Interactions

What drugs may interact with sucralfate?

Some medicines may interact with sucralfate. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Citrate salts or medicines that contain aluminum (e.g., certain antacids), specifically in patients with kidney disease, because side effects from aluminum buildup may occur.
• Penicillamine or thyroid hormones (e.g., levothyroxine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by sucralfate.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if sucralfate may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Does food or alcohol interact with sucralfate?

Sucralfate 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 sucralfate?

Sucralfate 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, especially if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis, or you have blockage of the intestines or difficulty swallowing.

Dosage

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

What is the dose of sucralfate for an adult?

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What is the dose of 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 sucralfate available?

Sucralfate is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:

• Tablet 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 sucralfate, 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.