Sucralfate
Sucralfate (Carafate)
Sucralfate
(sue- KRAL-fayt)
Pregnancy Category: B Apo-Sucralfate Carafate Novo-Sucralate Nu-Sucralfate Sulcrate Sulcrate Suspension Plus (Rx)

Classification: Antiulcer drug

Action/Kinetics: Thought to form an ulcer-adherent complex with albumin and fibrinogen at the site of the ulcer, protecting it from further damage by gastric acid. May also form a viscous, adhesive barrier on the surface of the gastric mucosa and duodenum. It adsorbs pepsin, thus inhibiting its activity. May be used in conjunction with antacids. Approximately 90% excreted in the feces. Duration: 5 hr.

Uses: Short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcers. Maintenance for duodenal ulcer at decreased dosage after healing of acute ulcers. Investigational: Hasten healing of gastric ulcers, chronic treatment of gastric ulcers. Treatment of reflux and peptic esophagitis. Treatment of aspirin- and NSAID-induced GI symptoms; prevention of stress ulcers and GI bleeding in critically ill clients. The suspension has been used to treat oral and esophageal ulcers due to chemotherapy, radiation, or sclerotherapy.
Note: Even though healing of ulcers may result, the frequency or severity of subsequent attacks is not altered.

Special Concerns: Safety for use in children and during lactation has not been fully established. A successful course resulting in healing of ulcers will not alter posthealing frequency or severity of duodenal ulceration.

Side Effects: GI: Constipation (most common); also, N&V;, diarrhea, indigestion, flatulence, dry mouth, gastric discomfort. Hypersensitivity: Urticaria, angioedema, respiratory difficulty rhinitis. Miscellaneous: Back pain, dizziness, sleepiness, vertigo, rash, pruritus, facial swelling, laryngospasm.

Drug Interactions: Antacids containing aluminum / Total body burden of aluminum Anticoagulants / Hypoprothrombinemic effect of warfarin Cimetidine / Absorption of cimetidine due to binding to sucralfate Ciprofloxacin / Absorption of ciprofloxacin due to binding to sucralfate Digoxin / Absorption of digoxin due to binding to sucralfate Ketoconazole / Bioavailability of ketoconazole Norfloxacin / Absorption of norfloxacin due to binding to sucralfate Phenytoin / Absorption of phenytoin due to binding to sucralfate Quinidine / Quinidine levels effect Ranitidine / Absorption of ranitidine due to binding to sucralfate Tetracycline / Absorption of tetracycline due to binding to sucralfate Theophylline / Absorption of theophylline due to binding to sucralfate

How Supplied: Suspension: 1 g/10 mL; Tablet: 1 g

Dosage
?Suspension, Tablets
Adults: usual: 1 g q.i.d. (10 mL of the suspension) 1 hr before meals and at bedtime (it may also be taken 2 hr after meals). Take for 4-8 weeks unless X-ray films or endoscopy have indicated significant healing. Maintenance (tablets only): 1 g b.i.d.