sucralfate effects

My gastroenterologist has prescribed sucralfate for my GERD condition.  It works, but I'm concerned about its generating increased amounts of prostaglandin.  I understand that more prostaglandin is a good thing for GI related problems, but it is a strong negative elsewhere in the body because it can accelerate the growth of cancerous tissue.  I have prostate cancer and am therefore concerned.  Do serum levels of prostaglandin increase as a result of taking sucralfate, or is the prostaglandin produced in the stomach metabolized there and not absorbed?  Do I need to be concerned about the prostaglandin effects of taking sucralfate?

[Ratnakar Kini, MD]

Hi pdqpete,

This is a good question. Sucralfate generates prostaglandins locally in the gut. But how much of it is absorbed is not really known as there are no enough literature which discusses this issue.

But as far as sucralfate is concerned, there are no case reports of it causing or promoting cancer.
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The information provided is for patients’ education only and is not a medical advice. Always consult your personal physician for complete evaluation of your health problem.

- Ratnakar Kini M.D.