Sucralfate
Molecule Description
Sucralfate is used for the treatment of stomach or intestinal ulcers. Healing m
ay occur within one or two weeks of administering the medicine. Still, the treatment must be continued for a more extended period (around four to eight weeks) for complete recovery.
Uses of Sucralfate
- Stomach ulcers
- Ulcers in your bowel
- Inflammation of your stomach lining
- Chronic gastritis
- Stress ulcers
Contraindications of Sucralfate
When should one not use Sucralfate
- Allergy to Sucralfate or any of the other ingredients
- If you are on dialysis for kidney problems
Side effects of Sucralfate
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Stomach ache
- Bloating
Precautions and Warnings of Sucralfate
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Sucralfate during pregnancy?
A:
It is probably safe during pregnancy. The patient should consult with the doctor once before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Sucralfate while breastfeeding?
A:
If you are breastfeeding, consult a doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Sucralfate?
A:
It is considered safe to drive after taking this medicine.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Sucralfate?
A:
It is advised to avoid drinking alcohol along with Sucralfate.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Mode of Action of Sucralfate
How Does It Work?
It works by forming a protective barrier over a stomach ulcer and helps to stop further irritation caused by stomach acid.
Interactions of Sucralfate
Interactions with other medicines
- Warfarin-used for blood clots
- Quinidine-used for heart problems
- Medicines for infection (antibiotics) such as Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin or Norfloxacin
- Medicines containing citrates
- Medicines for stomach ulcers such as Cimetidine or Ranitidine
- Levothyroxine-used for thyroid problems
- Sulpiride-used for mental health problems (psychotic episodes)
- Digoxin-used for heart problems
- Phenytoin-used for fits (epilepsy)
- Theophylline-used for asthma or other breathing problems
- Ketoconazole-used for fungal infections
Interactions with food items
There are no known interactions of any food item with Sucralfate.
Dosage of Sucralfate
Overdose
Do not increase the prescribed dosage. It doesn’t improve disease symptoms. Consult your doctor if you take an excess of this medicine.
Missed a Dose
If you missed a dose, follow the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can this medication be consumed for the long term?
A: Ideally, no, as the treatment is only meant for eight weeks at the most. Healing starts at 1-2 weeks after administration. Take only for the period prescribed by your doctor.
Q: Will Sucralfate prevent me from getting duodenal ulcers in the future?
A: No, the treatment is only temporary. Your ulcers will heal completely by taking medicine but it is exclusively localized to the site of the ulcer. It will not prevent it from arising in the future.
References
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