What is Sucralfate?
Sucralfate is a short-term treatment (up to eight weeks) to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate functions primarily within the lining of the stomach and isn't easily absorbable in the human body. Sucralfate is adsorbent to ulcer sites and shields them from enzymes, acids, and bile salts. Sucralfate may heal an active ulcer. However, it cannot prevent future ulcers from happening. Sucralfate is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Sucralfate
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are
warning signs of an allergic response,
such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, and throat,
Common negative effects of sucralfate include:
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Constipation, diarrhoea;
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Nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion;
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Itching, rash;
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Dizziness, drowsiness;
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Sleep problems (insomnia);
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Headache or
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Lower back pain.
This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Sucralfate in liquid form is not to be injected via needles into the body. If it is, it could cause death.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to apply sucralfate if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:
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Diabetes;
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Kidney diseases (or if you're taking dialysis) or
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Difficulty taking tablets.
Older adults might be more vulnerable to the reaction of sucralfate. Inform your doctor if you are nursing or pregnant. Don't give the medication to children without medical guidance.
How to take Sucralfate?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Consume sucralfate with an empty stomach. Make sure to shake off the
oral suspension
(liquid) prior to taking the dosage. Utilise the dosing syringe that comes with it or use a dosage-measuring device (not the kitchen spoon). If you suffer from diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugar frequently. Your physician may alter your dosage based on your glucose levels.
The liquid of this medication should not be injected with a needle directly into your body, or else death could occur. Sucralfate oral suspension should be taken through the mouth. It could take between 2 and 8 weeks to experience the full benefits of sucralfate. Make sure to take this medication for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve quickly. Your doctor may advise you to take sucralfate in a smaller dose after your ulcer has healed. Follow the doctor's instructions for dosage extremely carefully. Place the container in a cool, dry place far from heat and moisture. Make sure that you do not let the medicine in liquid form cool down.
Details on dosage:
Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:
1 g orally, 4 times per day
Time of treatment: 4 to 8 weeks
Comments:
Each dose is best taken with an empty stomach.
For the majority of patients, the course of treatment should be continued for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. However, the treatment can be terminated before the healing process is complete through x-rays or other tests.
Antacids can be prescribed in the event of a need; however, use should be separated by at most 30 minutes.
Treatment: A short-term solution for active duodenal ulcers
Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis:
Oral Tablets: 1 g taken orally 2 times per day
The duration of treatment: up to one year
Comments:
Every dose must be taken on an empty stomach.
Studies that were controlled didn't go over 12 months.
Use as a maintenance therapy for patients after the healing of acute duodenal ulcers.
What happens If I miss the dose?
Do not take the medicine for as long as you are able, but do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens If I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Do not take any other medication within two hours prior to or after taking sucralfate. Sucralfate could make it difficult for the body to absorb any other medication that you consume by mouth.
Talk to your doctor before using an antacid. Use only the kind that your doctor recommends. Certain antacids may make sucralfate more difficult to function in the stomach. Do not take an antacid for at least 30 minutes prior to or following the intake of sucralfate.
What other drugs can alter sucralfate's effects?
Other drugs can also affect sucralfate. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
