best way to take sucralfate

Precautions

What should I avoid while taking sucralfate?

• antacids
• cimetidine
• digoxin
• ketoconazole
• levothyroxine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin
• ranitidine
• tetracycline

More items...

What should I avoid while taking sucralfate?

Usually, your doctor will tell you to take Carafate: By mouth, either as a pill or liquid. At the same time every day. On an empty stomach, either one hour before eating or two hours after eating. What happens if you take sucralfate with food? If you are taking sucralfate to treat ulcers, the tablets or liquid usually are taken four times a day.

How long do I wait after eating to take sucralfate?

• hives
• rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips

What happens if you take sucralfate with food?

Adults—One gram (g) two times a day, taken on an empty stomach. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. Missed Dose . If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. Storage

How much sucralfate should be taken?

Can you drink water after taking sucralfate?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine works best if you take it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals.

What happens if you take sucralfate with food?

Stomach and bowel disease—Sucralfate may bind with other foods and drugs which may cause blockage of the stomach and bowels.01-Feb-2022

How long does it take for sucralfate to work?

It may take 2 to 8 weeks before you receive the full benefit of taking sucralfate. Sucralfate should not be taken for longer than 8 weeks at a time. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Should I dissolve sucralfate in water?

Sucralfate requires stomach acid in order to form its protective gel. If possible, it should be given 30 minutes prior to the administration of an antacid. SUCRALFATE TABLETS DO NOT DISSOLVE WELL INTACT AND SHOULD BE CRUSHED, MIXED IN A LITTLE WATER AND GIVEN AS A SLURRY.10-Apr-2020

How do you take sucralfate 4 times a day?

To treat duodenal ulcers: Adults—One gram (g) four times a day, taken on an empty stomach for 4 to 8 weeks. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.To prevent duodenal ulcers: Adults—One gram (g) two times a day, taken on an empty stomach. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.01-Feb-2022

Can I take sucralfate every 4 hours?

If you are taking sucralfate to treat ulcers, the tablets or liquid usually are taken four times a day. If you are taking sucralfate to prevent an ulcer from returning after it has healed), the tablets usually are taken twice a day. Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, 2 hours after or 1 hour before meals.

Does sucralfate help with GERD?

Sucralfate is effective for the treatment of human reflux oesophagitis1,2,3,4; however, current first-line treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) which control gastric acid secretion.05-Mar-2019

Can you take Tums with sucralfate?

You may also take antacids while using sucralfate; however, do not take antacids within a half-hour of a dose of sucralfate.28-Jul-2021

Can I take sucralfate before bed?

To reduce the risk of recurrence of duodenal ulcers, the recommended dose is one 1 g tablet before breakfast and one at bedtime (for up to 12 months). When necessary for relief of pain, antacids may be added to the treatment. However, they should not be taken within two hours before or after taking sucralfate.

What can you not take with sucralfate?

Some antacids can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach. Avoid taking an antacid within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.04-Mar-2021

Can you drink coffee after taking sucralfate?

Do not take antacids (e.g. Mylanta) 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate. Avoid foods and drinks that may upset your stomach such as alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes, or spicy food - as these may delay healing of the stomach/duodenal ulcers.

Can I take Benadryl with sucralfate?

Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between Benadryl and sucralfate. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Uses of Sucralfate Tablets

1. It is used to treat GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers. 2. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What Do I Need to Tell My Doctor Before I Take Sucralfate Tablets?

1. If you have an allergy to sucralfate or any other part of this medicine (sucralfate tablets). 2. If you are allergic to any drugs like this one,...

What Are Some Things I Need to Know Or Do While I Take Sucralfate Tablets?

1. Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (sucralfate tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and de...

How Is This Medicine (Sucralfate Tablets) Best Taken?

Use this medicine (sucralfate tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. 1. Take on an...

What Are Some Side Effects That I Need to Call My Doctor About Right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor o...

What Are Some Other Side Effects of Sucralfate Tablets?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help i...

How Do I Store and/or Throw Out Sucralfate Tablets?

1. Store at room temperature. 2. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. 3. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the rea...

What is the drug sucralfate (Carafate) used for?

Sucralfate (Carafate) is FDA-approved for the treatment and management of duodenal ulcers (ulcers that are located in the first part of the small i...

How long does it take for sucralfate (Carafate) take to work?

The medication will start to work and create a lining as soon as it reaches your GI tract (usually within an hour). Unlike other ulcer medications,...

Can I take omeprazole (Prilosec) and sucralfate (Carafate) together?

Many people with ulcers will also be prescribed other medications to lower the amount of acid in their stomach. Since sucralfate (Carafate) can aff...

When can I stop taking sucralfate (Carafate)?

The length of treatment will depend on your ulcer and how quickly it heals. Your provider will monitor the healing process and make adjustments to...

What happens if I take sucralfate (Carafate) with food?

It's recommended to take sucralfate (Carafate) on an empty stomach so that the medication can work locally at the site of the ulcer. If your stomac...

What are the side effects of sucralfate?

Constipation is the main side effect reported (in 2% of people); other side effects include diarrhea, nausea, itch, rash, and dry mouth. Generally, side effects are relatively rare (only reported in 4.7% of people who take sucralfate). Rarely, allergic reactions and bezoars (an accumulation of indigestible material in the gastrointestinal tract) ...

What medications are affected by sucralfate?

Common medications whose absorption may be affected by sucralfate include: antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, gemifloxacin, ketoconazole, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or tetracycline. aspirin. cimetidine. digoxin.

What is the purpose of sucralfate film?

This film acts as a barrier to gastric acid, pepsin (one of the main digestive enzymes), and bile salts. Sucralfate belongs to the class of medicines known as disaccharide sulfates. It is also known as a protectant anti-ulcer medicine. 2. Upsides.

How long does sucralfate last?

Sucralfate forms a complex with the albumin exudate of the ulcer soon after tablet dissolution. One dose lasts approximately 6 hours.

How long before sucralfate can you take digoxin?

May reduce the absorption of some drugs including digoxin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, phenytoin, and thyroxine. These drugs should be taken at least two hours before taking sucralfate. Usually taken four times daily for ulcer treatment and twice daily for ulcer maintenance.

Can you take antacids with sucralfate?

Continue for the duration recommended or until x-ray or endoscopic exam confirms ulcer healing. You may also take antacids while using sucralfate; however, do not take antacids within a half-hour of a dose of sucralfate. 6. Response and effectiveness.

Does sucralfate cause aluminum?

Sucralfate contains aluminum. After oral administration, small amounts of aluminum are absorbed. This may lead to aluminum accumulation in people with poor kidney function or who are taking other aluminum-containing products (such as antacids).

How long before taking sucralfate can you take antacids?

Follow all instructions closely. Take on an empty stomach. Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking this medicine (sucralfate tablets). Try to space other drugs from this one by 2 hours. This medicine stops many drugs from getting into the body.

What to do if you think you have an overdose?

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Can you share Sucralfate with others?

Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (sucralfate tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Can you take Sucralfate if you are 65?

If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (sucralfate tablets) with care. You could have more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

Can you take sucralfate with all your medications?

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (sucralfate tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems.

How does sucralfate work?

Sucralfate is used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers and other conditions as determined by your doctor. It works by forming a barrier or coat over the ulcer. This protects the ulcer from the acid of the stomach, allowing it to heal. Sucralfate contains an aluminum salt.

How to treat ulcers on stomach?

Take sucralfate (Carafate) on an empty stomach with plenty of water. This will help the medication work quickly at the site of the ulcer. If you also take antacids like Tums or Maalox to help with ulcer pain, make sure you take them at least 30 minutes before or after sucralfate (Carafate).

Can sucralfate be used in elderly?

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of sucralfate in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Does carafate cause seizures?

Low levels of aluminum are not a problem, but higher levels can be. High aluminum levels can cause confusion, muscle weakness, bone pain and related problems, and more seriously, seizures.

Can you stop sucralfate?

Your provider will monitor the healing process and make adjustments to your dose. Don't stop taking sucralfate (Carafate) without consulting with your healthcare provider as it may impact the ulcer healing process.

Can you take two different meds together?

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Can you take ketoconazole and raltegravir together?

Ketoconazole. Raltegravir. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

What is sucralfate used for?

This medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the intestines. Sucralfate forms a coating over ulcers, protecting the area from further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly.

How to report sucralfate side effects in Canada?

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Precautions. Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

How long does sucralfate last?

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after you have been taking sucralfate for 4 weeks. Side Effects. Constipation, dry mouth, upset stomach, gas, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Can elderly people take sucralfate?

This medication contains aluminum, which is normally removed by your kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at greater risk for developing high aluminum levels while using this drug with other products that contain aluminum (e.g., antacids). If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before using sucralfate.

Can you take sucralfate while pregnant?

If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before using sucralfate. It is not known if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects.

What is sucralfate used for?

Sucralfate, also called Carafate, is a prescription medication used to treat duodenal ulcers, which form in the first part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer. This type of ulcer forms when the lining of the stomach or small intestine gets worn down by the acids that are produced to aid in digestion.

How often should I take carafate?

When prescribed for an active stomach ulcer, the pills or liquid dose are usually taken several times a day. In order for the medication to work, you need to take Carafate exactly as your doctor prescribes it for you.

What is the mechanism of action of carafate?

Mechanism of Action. Carafate is a type of medication called protectants. These medications adhere to tissue in the lining of the stomach or small intestine that have been damaged and protect them from digestive acid and enzymes while they heal. Protectants do not get absorbed by the body as other medications do.

Is carafate a Category B drug?

Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications you take, even if they are over-the-counter, nutritional, or herbal supplements. Carafate is categorized as a Category B drug. This means that based on available research, the American College of Gastroenterology considers the drug safe to take if you are pregnant.

Does carafate help with ulcers?

Carafate is prescribed to treat active ulcers, but the medication doesn't prevent new ulcers from forming. A doctor may also prescribe additional medications, such as antibiotics, for patients who are at risk of developing additional ulcers.

Can carafate cause constipation?

Carafate can cause minor side effects , though they are rarely serious enough for patients to stop taking the drug. The most common side effect is constipation, which occurs in about 2 percent of patients .

Can you take Carafate with Warfarin?

Make sure you tell your doctor about any medication you take before you start Carafate. If you are taking certain medications, like antacids, antibiotics, or drugs that thin your blood (warfarin), your doctor may tell you to take less or stop taking them while you are taking Carafate.

What is the name of the drug that is used to treat ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract?

Sucralfate is the generic form of the brand-name drug Carafate. It's a prescription medicine used to treat ulcers of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Sucralfate comes in a tablet and a liquid form. The drug was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1981 and is manufactured by Aptalis Pharma US, Inc.

Can sucralfate dissolve in water?

Within 30 sec the sucralfate will dissolve into suspension on its own.

What happens when you take sucralfate?

When we take a dose of sucralfate, it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in our stomach to form a viscous (i.e. thick) substance, which acts as an acid buffer. It also adheres to surfaces in the stomach/GI tract (e.g. an ulcer).

Does sucralfate decrease absorption?

These actions have been shown to decrease the absorption of other drugs when taken at the same time. The prescribing information for sucralfate specifically mentions that studies have shown it can decrease absorption of: Cimetidine. Digoxin. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Ketoconazole.

How It Works

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

• The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of...

See more on mayoclinic.org

Response and Effectiveness

Interactions

Further Information