Index
Sucralfate is also used to prevent and treat gastric symptoms produced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Alcon or sucralfate is an orally active drug prescribed to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers, relieve gastroesophageal reflux, the prevention of stress ulcers, and maintenance therapy.
The therapeutic activity of sucralfate is very similar to that of cimetidine.
Chemical formula
- Formula: C12H54Al16O75S8.
- Sucralfate: Basic salt of aluminum sulfate acid of sucrose.
Presentations of the Falcon
- Tablets
- Suspension.
Dose
Tablets: Ulcon tablets are recommended with a more substantial initial dose, and two (02) tablets are prescribed two (02) times a day, administered one (01) hour before each meal.
Moreover, a maintenance dose where one (01) tablet is prescribed two (02) times a day, administering it one (01) hour before each meal.
Suspension. The recommended initial dose of Ulcon in suspension is to take ten (10) ml, two (02) times a day, one (01) hour before meals.
Moreover, a maintenance dose, where they are prescribed five (05) ml, two (02) times per day, one (01) hour before meals.
Mechanism of action
The Falcon or sucralfate acts by creating a barrier over the ulcer. When the Falcon is in an acid medium, it produces a viscous substance that binds to the proteins present in the ulcer lesion.
This protects it from the acidic action of the gastric juices and prevents the mucosa from continuing to be damaged to help the ulcers heal more quickly.
Falcon indications
The Falcon has the active ingredient sucralfate, which protects the gastric mucosa in gastroesophageal reflux, gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcer, and maintenance therapy.
Treat and prevent stomach ulcers and prevent new ulcers from forming by using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( naproxen, ibuprofen) and the use of aspirin.
Precautions and contraindications
The Falcon, or sucralfate, is a product whose use is restricted to children under 14 years.
It is also restricted during pregnancy or breastfeeding since there are no specific studies on children or their effect on the fetus or breast milk.
Its use is not restricted in patients with compromised renal function and is prohibited in uremia patients and dialysis treatment.
Within the components of this medicine is aluminum, which is eliminated by the kidneys under normal conditions.
So people with kidney difficulties may have a higher risk of high levels in the body due to problems to be eliminated by the kidneys.
A wide range of medications has not been tested explicitly in the elderly.
Therefore, it may be ignored if they work the same way in this age group as young adults.
Because renal function decreases with age, no specific studies report the drug’s safety in geriatric patients. It is necessary to verify the state of renal function before administering this medicine.
The use of Ulcon or sucralfate is not recommended in patients with pathologies such as:
- Difficulties in swallowing as swallowing problems and a history of having required aspiration.
- Intestinal and stomach problems such as delayed gastric emptying, with a prescription for using a tube for feeding.
- Use of a respiratory tube or tracheotomy.
- Risk of bezoar formation (especially in patients in intensive care) and encephalopathy.
- Patients who have an allergy to the components suffer from another allergy.
Side effects
Among the side effects that can occur with the use of Falcon or sucralfate are:
- Constipation.
- Vertigo.
- Dermal eruptions.
- Itching and inflammation, especially on the face, tongue, and throat.
- Intense dizziness
- Difficulty breathing.
- Gastrointestinal minor disorders include an unusual and persistent feeling of stomach fullness, vomiting, stomach pain, especially after meals, difficulty swallowing, constipation, dry mouth sensation, upset stomach, flatulence, and nausea.
Although these symptoms are of little importance and intensity, if they become more acute or persist, suspending their use and going to the treating doctor is necessary.
Interactions of Ulcon with other medications
Within the interactions with other medications, problems may arise with the use of:
- Quenodeoxicólico acid.
- Ursodeoxycholic acid.
- Amphotericin B.
- Colistin
- Digoxin
- Phenytoin
- Ketoconazole
- Evotiroxina.
- Ranitidine.
In some cases, the absorption of aluminum increases with drugs that have in their components hydrogen and sodium or potassium citrate.
It should be administered two hours later when concomitant treatment with ofloxacin, norfloxacin, and fluoroquinolones.
Particular caution should be exercised using oral anticoagulants such as warfarin.
Other pathologies
In the case of patients who have other pathologies, they may be affected by the use of this medicine:
- In the presence of diseases that obstruct the gastrointestinal tract: Ulcon or sucralfate can bind to other foods, and drugs ingest and obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.
- Renal impairment: A toxic increase in the levels of aluminum in the blood flow can be caused by its use.
