Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. It works
mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids,
enzymes, and bile salts.
Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer,
but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.
Sucralfate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate (oral)?
Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on
dialysis). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sucralfate.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an
unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether sucralfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a
nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should I take sucralfate (oral)?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger
amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take sucralfate with a full glass of water.
Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. To be sure
you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
one.
Take this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may
improve before the ulcer is completely cleared.
Store sucralfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of sucralfate (oral)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not
take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about sucralfate (oral)?
Your pharmacist has information about sucralfate (oral) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (oral)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, indigestion;
stomach pain;
constipation, diarrhea;
mild itching or skin rash;
sleep problems (insomnia);
dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation;
headache; or
back pain.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell
your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate (oral)?
Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on
dialysis). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sucralfate.
Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take sucralfate for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve
before the ulcer is completely cleared.
Avoid taking any other medications at the same time you take sucralfate. It is best not to
take other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid
your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it
harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach.
If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before
or after taking sucralfate.
What should I avoid while taking sucralfate (oral)?
Avoid taking any other medications at the same time you take sucralfate. It is best not to
take other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid
your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it
harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach.
If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before
or after taking sucralfate.
What other drugs will affect sucralfate (oral)?
Taking sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb many other medications,
especially:
theophylline (Elixophyllin, Respbid, Slo-Bid, Theo-Dur, and
others);
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
certain antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro),
levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and others.
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact
with sucralfate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications,
vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new
medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of sucralfate (oral)?
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009