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Overview

Sucralfate

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor not required

About Sucralfate

Sucralfate helps in the treatment of ulcers that develop in the intestine. The drug is meant for oral consumption and as it enters the system, it creates a coating around the ulcers. This coating protects the ulcers from getting injured, thus they have time to heal effectively.

Doctors prescribe the drug on the basis of the patient's medical condition and how he responds to the treatment. Sucralfate is generally prescribed to be taken twice or even four times a day. It has to be taken when your stomach is empty, that is, about an hour before you take a meal.

Sucralfate should be taken regularly for the best results. The ulcers in the intestines will take about 4-8 weeks to heal properly. Make sure that you do not discontinue the drug without consulting your doctor first.

Most medicines cause certain side effects when taken. Some of these side effects are quite minor and disappear in some time while other more serious side effects can lead to greater complications. Some minor side effects of Sucralfate are nausea, gas, dryness of the mouth, constipation, and stomach upset.

Major side effects of Sucralfate include severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting and problems with swallowing. An allergic reaction to Sucralfate is very rare, but if it does occur, it symptoms include swelling, rashes, problems with breathing and dizziness.

If any of the above side effects persist for a long period of time or tend to worsen immediate medical aid should be sought. It is also important that you inform your health care provider about your medical history, with full details about any current health issues or allergies that you suffer from.

Provide a list of medications that you are currently taking as well. Along with the drug the doctor may also advise certain lifestyle changes, which include dietary alterations, healthy exercise, and some programs to reduce stress.

Take recommended dose before meals or on an empty stomach. Take any other medications at least 2 hours before taking sucralfate. Do not take antacids within 30 minutes of taking Sucralfate.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Sucralfate

    • Duodenal Ulcer

    • Stomach Ulcers

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Sucralfate ?

    • Allergy

      Not recommended in the patients with known allergy to this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Sucralfate ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Sucralfate

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1 to 2 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      No data available; available evidence suggests safe use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. This medicine is recommended for pregnant women only if clearly needed.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      No data available. American Academy of Pediatrics has NO RECOMMENDATION.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Caution is advised while consuming alcohol with this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medication may cause side effects that might affect the alertness. Hence the driving ability of the patient is hindered. Patient must avoid driving if taking this medication.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken in patient with kidney disease, Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Limited information is available. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Sucralfate approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Sucralfate

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Sucralfate as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the gastrointestinal agents. It works by forming an ulcer-adherent complex that covers the ulcer site and protects it against further attack by acid, pepsin, and bile salts.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Sucralfate ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Information not available.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Decreased effect: Digoxin, phenytoin (hydantoins), warfarin, ketoconazole, quinidine, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin (quinolones), tetracycline, theophylline; because of the potential for sucralfate to alter the absorption of some drugs, separate administration (take other medications 2 hours before sucralfate) should be considered when alterations in bioavailability are believed to be critical.
      • Interaction with Food

        Interferes with absorption of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Successful therapy with sucralfate should not be expected to alter the posthealing frequency of recurrence or the severity of duodenal ulceration; use with caution in patients with chronic renal failure who have an impaired excretion of absorbed aluminum. Because of the potential for sucralfate to alter the absorption of some drugs, separate administration (take other medication 2 hours before sucralfate) should be considered when alterations in bioavailability are believed to be critical.

      FAQs about Sucralfate

      • Ques : Is Sucralfate an antibiotic/sulfa drug/pain-killer/PPI?

        Ans : This drug is not an antibiotic/sulfa drug/ PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) or a pain-killer. It is an ulcer protective medicine.

      • Ques : Is Sucralfate available or sold over the counter?

        Ans : No. This drug is a prescription drug. It is not available or sold over the counter

      • Ques : Is Sucralfate gluten-free?

        Ans : Yes. Sucralfate is gluten-free. However, please refer to the package insert of the prescribed brand before use.

      • Ques : Is Sucralfate safe?

        Ans : Yes. it is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor.

      • Ques : Can I take Sucralfate with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen/Pepto?

        Ans : Yes. it can be taken with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen and Pepto if prescribed by your doctor

      • Ques : Does Sucralfate cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia/ heartburn?

        Ans : No, it does not cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia or heartburn. If you experience any such symptoms, please take medical help immediately.

      • Ques : Is Sucralfate a narcotic drug?

        Ans : No. it is not a narcotic drug.

      References

      • Sucralfate-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/sucralfate

      • Sucralfate-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00364

      • SUCRALFATE suspension,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=SUCRALFATE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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