Sucralfate or sucralfate is a drug used to treat stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, or chronic gastritis. Sucralfate is available in the form of tablets, caplets and suspension which can only be used with a doctor's prescription.
Sucralfate works by sticking to the injured part of the stomach or intestine. These drugs protect the wound from stomach acid, digestive enzymes, and bile salts. That way, sucralfate prevents the wound from getting worse and helps the wound heal faster.
Sucralfate trademarks: Dopepsa, Episan, Episan 500, Eficap, Erpepsa, Gitafat, Inpepsa, Kalpepsa, Kralix, Lipepsa, Lanpepsa, Mucogard, Mucifat, Molafate, Nucral, Neciblok, Pepco, Peptifat, Propepsa, Profat, Peptovell, Solpepsa, Sulfate , Sucralbat, Sucralfate, Troflat, Taxilan, Ulsafate, Ulcera, Ulsidex, Ulcron, Ulcumaag
What is Sucralfate
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Antiulcerant |
| Benefit | Treat gastric ulcers , duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, and prevent gastrointestinal bleeding due to severe illness |
| Consumed by | Mature |
| Sucralfate for pregnant and lactating women | Category B: Animal studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether sucralfate is absorbed into breast milk. Consult your doctor about using this drug during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets and suspension |
Precautions Before Taking Sucralfate
Sucralfate should not be consumed carelessly. There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:
- Do not take sucralfate if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney disease, especially chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis .
- Tell your doctor if you have difficulty swallowing ( dysphagia ) or have recently had a medical procedure that made swallowing difficult and required a feeding tube, such as a tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation .
- Consult a physician regarding the use of sucralfate in the elderly or patients using a feeding tube.
- Do not give sucralfate to children without consulting a doctor first.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor about using sucralfate if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, to anticipate drug interactions.
- Immediately see a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after consuming sucralfate.
Dosage and Rules for Using Sucralfate
The following is the dose of sucralfate for adults based on its intended use:
Purpose: Overcome chronic gastritis , stomach ulcers, and duodenal ulcers
- The dose is 1 gram, 4 times a day (every meal and before going to bed); or 2 grams, 2 times daily (at breakfast and at bedtime), for 4–8 weeks
Purpose: Prevent duodenal ulcer recurrence
- The dose is 1 gram, 2 times a day (before breakfast and before bed). If a stomach ulcer, chronic gastritis , or duodenal ulcer has not healed, treatment is given for up to 12 weeks.
Purpose : Prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in intensive care at the hospital
- The dose is 1 gram, 6 times a day. The maximum dose is 8 grams per day.
How to Take Sucralfate Properly
Follow the doctor's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging label before using sucralfate. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Sucralfate should be taken on an empty stomach, ideally 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. Swallow sucralfate tablets or caplets with the help of a glass of water.
If you are taking sucralfate in suspension, shake the bottle before drinking. Use the measuring spoon provided in the drug packaging to take sucralfate suspension so that the dose of the drug is taken correctly
Consume sucralfate regularly at the same time every day to get maximum benefits. If you forget to take sucralfate, do it immediately if the break with the next usage schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the next dose.
Do not stop taking sucralfate even though your condition has improved, except on doctor's advice. Take control according to the schedule given by the doctor, so that the condition and response to therapy can be monitored.
If you have or currently have diabetes, while on treatment with sucralfate, you may be asked to have your blood sugar checked regularly.
Store sucralfate in a dry place and avoid direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Sucralfate Interactions with Other Drugs
Interactions that can occur if sucralfate is used together with certain drugs are:
- Decreased absorption and effectiveness of digoxin, quinidine , ketoconazole, sulpiride , levothyroxine, phenytoin , tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones antibiotics , warfarin, theophylline , dolutegravir, or H2 antagonist drugs
- Increased risk of aluminum poisoning when used with vitamin D or aluminum-containing antacids
Give a gap of at least 2 hours if you want to take other drugs, because sucralfate can affect the absorption of drugs into the body. Avoid taking antacids 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.
Side Effects and Dangers of Sucralfate
Side effects that may arise after consuming sucralfate are:
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Stomach ache
- Nausea, vomiting, flatulence, or indigestion
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Back pain
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects occur, such as muscle pain, bone pain, stomach cramps, vomiting, inability to pass gas, or inability to have a bowel movement.