What is Carafate?
Carafate is an anti-ulcer drug. Carafate isn't absorbed as extensively into the body via the digestive tract. It is primarily found in the stomach's lining, adhering to ulcers and shielding them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts. Carafate can be used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate is a remedy for an active ulcer; however, it cannot stop future ulcers from forming.
Warnings
Carafate in liquid form is not to be injected with needles into the body, or else death could occur. Follow the instructions on your medication label and on the label of your package. Inform all of your healthcare providers about your medical conditions or allergies, as well as all medicines you take.
Do not take any other medication within 2 hours prior to or after taking Carafate. Sucralfate may make it more difficult for your body to absorb other medicines that you take by mouth.
Before you take this drug
Carafate is not recommended if you are sensitive to sucralfate.
To ensure that this medication is safe for you, inform your doctor if you suffer from:
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis) or
- Trouble swallowing tablets.
Older adults are more susceptible to the negative effects of sucralfate. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or pregnant. Do not give a child Carafate without medical consultation.
Related drugs
- Omeprazole,
- Famotidine,
- Pantoprazole,
- Triamcinolone topical,
- Nexium,
- Protonix,
- Sucralfate
How to take Carafate?
Follow the exact dosage of carafate as directed by your physician. Follow the directions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take this medicine with an empty stomach. Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you take the dose. Use the dosing syringe supplied or a dosage-measuring device (not a spoon from the kitchen). If you're diabetic, be sure to check your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor might alter your dosage according to the levels of your blood sugar. The liquid version of this medicine should not be injected with a needle directly into your body, as death could happen. Carafate oral suspension is only to be taken by mouth.
It could take between 2 and 8 weeks to get the full benefits of taking Carafate. Take this medication for the entire prescribed amount of time, regardless of whether your symptoms improve quickly. Your doctor might advise you to continue taking Carafate at a lower dose after your ulcer is healed. Follow the instructions of your doctor for dosing carefully. Keep the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Don't let the liquid medicine freeze.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:
1 g orally, four times per day
The duration of therapy is between 4 and 8 weeks.
Comments:
Each dose must be taken with an empty stomach.
For most patients, treatment must be continued for between 4 and 8 weeks. However, treatment can be stopped early if the healing is evident on x-rays or endoscopic tests.
Antacids may be administered; however, use must be separated by at least 30 minutes.
Use: Short-term treatment for active duodenal ulcers
Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis:
Oral Tablets 1 g taken orally two times per day
Therapy duration: up to 1 year
Comments:
Each dose is best taken on an empty stomach.
Controlled studies were not extended beyond twelve months.
Use as a maintenance therapy for patients after the healing of acute duodenal ulcers
What happens If I miss a dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not skip your missed dose if it's nearing the time to take your next dose. Don't take more than two doses at the same time.
What happens If I overdose?
Seek medical attention in an emergency situation or contact the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take any other medication within 2 hours prior to or after taking Carafate. Sucralfate may make it more difficult for your body to absorb any other medication you take by mouth.
Consult your physician before taking an antacid. Use only the kind that your doctor recommends. Certain anti-inflammatory medications can make it more difficult for sucralfate to be absorbed into your stomach. Avoid taking an antacid for at least 30 minutes prior to or after taking Carafate.
Side effects of Carafate
Seek medical attention immediately. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction to carafate, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Common carafate side effects include:
- Constipation,
- Diarrhoea;
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Gas,
- Indigestion;
- Itching, rash;
- Dizziness, drowsiness;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Headache or
- Back pain.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Consult your physician to seek medical advice regarding adverse effects. You can report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications can interact with sucralfate, such as prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medications and any medications you begin or stop taking.
