Carafate (Sucralfate)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - January 15, 2021
Carafate (Sucralfate) Medication Information
Uses
Carafate is indicated in:
- Short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcer. 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 for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.
Dosage
They are available in 1 g tablets
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Carafate include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Indigestion
- Flatulence
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Headache
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.
Precautions
Duodenal ulcer is a chronic, recurrent disease. While short-term treatment with sucralfate can result in complete healing of the ulcer, a successful course of treatment with sucralfate should not be expected to alter the post healing frequency or severity of duodenal ulceration.
When sucralfate is administered orally, small amounts of aluminum are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Concomitant use of sucralfate with other products that contain aluminum, such as aluminum-containing antacids, may increase the total body burden of aluminum. Patients with normal renal function receiving the recommended doses of sucralfate and aluminum-containing products adequately excrete aluminum in the urine. Patients with chronic renal failure or those receiving dialysis have impaired excretion of absorbed aluminum.
Interactions
Some of the common drug interactions with Carafate:
- Cimetidine
- Digoxin
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Ketoconazole
- Phenytoin
- Quinidine
- Ranitidine
- Tetracycline
- Theophylline
Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Pharmacist Tips
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
- While short-term treatment with sucralfate can result in complete healing of the ulcer, a successful course of treatment with sucralfate should not be expected to alter the post healing frequency or severity of duodenal ulceration.
Carafate FAQs
Can I take this with food?
Take on an empty stomach
Can I take this if I am pregnant?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when sucralfate is administered to a nursing woman.
Can I take antacids with Carafate?
Antacids may be prescribed as needed for relief of pain but should not be taken within one half hour before or after sucralfate.
How long does Carafate need to be taken?
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.
How should I take Carafate for an active duodenal ulcer?
The recommended adult oral dosage for duodenal ulcer is 1 g four times per day on an empty stomach.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Carafate {package insert}. Birmingham, AL: Axcan Scandipharm Inc.; 2004.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/018333s032lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.