Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Carafate

Generic Name: sucralfate (oral) (Pronunciation: soo KRAL fate)

• What is sucralfate (Carafate)?
• What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate (Carafate)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate (Carafate)?
• How should I take sucralfate (Carafate)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Carafate)?
• What happens if I overdose (Carafate)?
• What should I avoid while taking sucralfate (Carafate)?
• What other drugs will affect sucralfate (Carafate)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is sucralfate (Carafate)?

Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer medication.

Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.

Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.

Sucralfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carafate 1 gram

oblong, pink, imprinted with CARAFATE, 17 12

Sucralfate 1 gram-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with BIOCRAFT, 105 105

Sucralfate 1 g-WAT

oblong, blue, imprinted with WATSON 780

What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
• stomach pain;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation;
• headache; or
• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate (Carafate)?

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.

Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed.

Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take sucralfate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach. If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.

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