Carafate

Generic name: Sucralfate (oral)
Drug class: Miscellaneous GI agents

Usage of Carafate

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 sticking 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 side effects

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

Common Carafate side effects may include:

constipation, diarrhea;

nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion;

itching, rash;

dizziness, drowsiness;

sleep problems (insomnia);

headache; or

back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Carafate

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

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

diabetes;

kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

trouble swallowing tablets.

>Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of sucralfate.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give Carafate to a child without medical advice.

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How to use Carafate

Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:

1 g orally 4 times a day -Duration of therapy: 4 to 8 weeks Comments: -Each dose should be taken on an empty stomach. -For most patients, treatment should continue for 4 to 8 weeks; however, treatment may be stopped early if healing is demonstrated on x-ray/endoscopic tests. -Antacids may be given, but use should be separated by at least 30 minutes. Use: Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers

Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis:

Oral Tablets: 1 g orally 2 times a day -Duration of therapy: Up to 1 year Comments: -Each dose should be taken on an empty stomach. -Controlled studies did not extend beyond 12 months. Use: Maintenance therapy for patients after healing of acute duodenal ulcers

Warnings

The liquid form of Carafate should never be injected through a needle into the body, or death may occur.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take Carafate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth.

What other drugs will affect Carafate

Other drugs may interact with sucralfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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