Index
It is an oral medication used to treat upper gastrointestinal tract ulcers and other conditions.
It is a sugary drug that binds with protein-like material at the base of intestinal ulcers. It is not an antacid or reduces heartburn. Very little of the drug is absorbed into the body.
The FDA approves Sucralfate for the cure of duodenal ulcers. However, doctors also use it for ulcers or erosions in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, although their effectiveness in these areas has never been demonstrated.
How does this medication work? What will he do for me?
Sucralfate belongs to the class of drugs called Gastroduodenal Cytoprotective Agents. It works by forming a barrier or layer over the ulcer; this protects it from the acid in the stomach, allowing it to heal.
It is used to treat duodenal and stomach ulcers and prevent duodenal ulcers. The liquid form is also used to avoid bleeding due to stress ulcers in seriously ill people.
It works by forming a lining over the ulcer. This coating protects it from stomach acid, allowing it to heal.
For what it serves and the uses of Sucralfate
Sucralfate is used for the treatment of peptic ulcers and to prevent recurrent ulcers after healing has been achieved.
It has also been used to relieve or prevent ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but it is less effective than Misoprostol. And it is used in the treatment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Unapproved uses prevent stress ulcers, which are ulcers associated with high degrees of physical stress (e.g., extensive burns, surgery, and overwhelming infection) in hospitalized patients.
Side effects
At least 1% of people taking this medication have reported the following side effects. Many of these side effects can be controlled, and some may go away on their own over time.
Constipation is the most common side effect.
Other side effects include:
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Vertigo.
- Indigestion.
- Dry mouth.
Serious secondary effects:
- Back pain.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Drowsiness.
- Indigestion.
- Nausea.
- Skin rash, hives, or itching.
- Stomach cramps or pain
How to use it?
Take this medication only as directed by your doctor. Do not take too much or too often. Take it during the entire treatment, even if you start to feel better.
Please do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
Take Sucralfate on an empty stomach.
Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure each dose with a marked measuring spoon, an oral syringe, or a medicine cup.
If you are also using an antacid, take it half an hour before or after taking Sucralfate.
If you are taking: Cimetidine, Ciprofloxacin, Digoxin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, or Ranitidine, take 2 hours before taking Sucralfate.
Dose
The dose of this medication will be different for each patient, depending on the condition. Follow your doctor’s orders or the instructions on the label.
To treat duodenal ulcers:
Adults: 1 gram four times a day, taken on an empty stomach for 4 to 8 weeks.
Children: the use and dosage should be determined by your doctor.
To prevent duodenal ulcers:
Adults: one gram twice a day, taken on an empty stomach.
Children: the use and dosage should be determined by your doctor.
Storage
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Avoid freezing it.
- Keep out of children’s reach.
Considerations before using Sucralfate
Allergies
People who have known allergies or asthma may be at greater risk of reacting to any new medication. The doctor should always see a patient’s allergy history.
The signs of an allergic reaction are:
- Acne.
- Hives or itching
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic or unusual reaction to this medicine or other medicines.
Also, inform me if you have any other allergies, such as food, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
Pediatric?
No appropriate studies have been conducted on the relationship of age with the effects of Sucralfate in the pediatric population. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Seniors?
Appropriate studies conducted to date have not shown specific problems that limit the usefulness of Sucralfate in the elderly.
However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and a dose adjustment for patients receiving this medication.
Pregnancy?
Animal studies did not reveal evidence of harm to the fetus. However, there are no adequate studies on pregnant women.
But, as a safety measure, this medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies on women to determine the risk of children using this medicine during breastfeeding.
Interactions of Sucralfate with other medications
This medication with any following is generally not recommended but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both.
- Ciprofloxacin.
- Delafloxacin.
- Fleroxacin.
- Gemifloxacina.
- Grepafloxacina.
- Moxifloxacina.
- Norfloxacin.
- Ofloxacin.
- Sparfloxacin.
- Mesilate of Trovafloxacin.
- Warfarin
Using alcohol or tobacco can also cause interactions.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean you should stop taking one of them. Talk to your healthcare professional about the use of Sucralfate with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medication. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Diabetes: use with caution. It can make this condition worse.
Kidney disease: (including patients with chronic renal failure or those receiving dialysis), use with caution. The effects may increase due to the slower elimination of the medication from the body.
Stomach and intestinal disease: Sucralfate can be linked with other foods and medications that can cause a blockage of the stomach and intestines.
Precautions
Your doctor must check your progress regularly to ensure this medication works correctly.
Sucralfate can affect blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor immediately if you have increased thirst or increased urination. Or if you notice a change in the results of your urine or blood sugar tests.
Do not take other medications unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription and over-the-counter drugs and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Considerations
You should inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking Sucralfate if you have a medical history of kidney problems, swallowing problems, stomach / intestinal issues, tube feeding, or the use of a breathing tube.
The medicine contains aluminum, which is usually removed by the kidneys. Elderly patients may be at higher risk of developing high levels of aluminum while taking Sucralfate because kidney function decreases as we get older.
Although some data suggest that concern about the effects of aluminum during pregnancy may be justified, human studies have shown no adverse effects on the fetus.
Sucralfate is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Although there is no data, the medication is also safe for nursing mothers.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Could you take it as soon as possible? If it is almost time for your next dose, skip it and return to your usual schedule. Do not double the amount of this medication.
Are there interactions with food or drinks?
It is best to take the medication on an empty stomach so that it can reach and cover the base of the ulcer. Food in the stomach can prevent this from happening. Preferably, take the tablet with water.
Nicotine can delay the healing of the ulcer and reduce the effectiveness of this drug.
What are the effects on sexual function?
There are no known adverse effects of Sulcralfate on sexual function.
Are there other precautions?
Prolonged use may impair the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
How long is it safe to take it?
A 6 to 8 weeks treatment is needed to heal an active duodenal ulcer. Your doctor must determine use beyond eight weeks.
Who should NOT take this medicine?
Sucralfate should not be taken by any person allergic to Sucralfate or any of the medication’s ingredients.
Use in children?
The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The use of Sucralfate by this age group is not recommended.
Note:
Because Sucralfate does not treat the underlying cause of ulcers, an ulcer may reappear after treatment with Sucralfate.
