Uses

What is sucralfate used for?

Sucralfate is commonly used to treat ulcers in the upper part of your small intestine.

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

How does sucralfate work (mechanism of action)?

Sucralfate works by forming a coating over the ulcer, protecting the area from stomach acids and digestive enzymes, so it can heal.

How is sucralfate supplied (dosage forms)?

Sucralfate is available as Carafate and generic sucralfate in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 1 g/10 mL oral suspension
  • 1 g oral tablets

How should I store sucralfate?

Oral Tablets. Sucralfate tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. 

Oral Liquid. Sucralfate liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze.

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sucralfate?

The most common side effects of sucralfate are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach or gas
  • Dry mouth
  • Itching or rash
  • Dizziness or feeling off balance
  • Drowsiness or trouble sleeping
  • Back pain or headache 

There may be other side effects of sucralfate that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sucralfate?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sucralfate are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sucralfate may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking sucralfate and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Gut Blockage. Sucralfate can cause a blockage in the intestines that is made up of partially digested materials called a bezoar. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a blockage in your intestines.

  • Lack of appetite
  • Feeling full after eating a small portion of food 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain or bloating
  • Blood in your stool (poop)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sucralfate?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take sucralfate.

  • Sucralfate
  • Carafate
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sucralfate products they stock.

What should I know about sucralfate before using it?

Do not take sucralfate unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share sucralfate with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sucralfate out of the reach of children.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from sucralfate. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

If you are prescribed sucralfate oral suspension, shake the medicine well before each dose. 

Use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose of liquid sucralfate. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using sucralfate?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if sucralfate is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Sucralfate may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking sucralfate, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how sucralfate could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if sucralfate passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sucralfate interact with foods or drinks?

Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect sucralfate.

Does sucralfate interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking sucralfate.

  • An antacid containing calcium, aluminum, or magnesium
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet HB), which is a medicine used for heartburn 
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or ofloxacin (Floxin), which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Levothyroxine, which is a medicine used to raise thyroid hormone levels
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Tetracycline, which is a medicine used to treat infections or other conditions
  • Theophylline (Theo-24), which is a medicine used for asthma or other chronic lung conditions
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner

Sucralfate may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. 

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with sucralfate. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Sucralfate (Carafate) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sucralfate?

If you or someone else has used too much sucralfate, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sucralfate?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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