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Conditions Sucralfate treats
- Gastro-esophageal Reflux- GERD
- Stomach and/or esophageal ulcers
How it works
This drug creates a coating that covers the stomach and esophagus to protect it from digestive acid. It does this by binding to protein secreations in the stomach and forms a substance the protects the lining of the stomach and esophagus.
Sucrafalate is delivered in either a pill or liquid format. Some feel that the liquid begins the coating process higher up in the digestive tract while the pill starts coating in the stomach. If you suffer from symptoms/discomfort in the esophogus, you might want to consider asking for the liquid format.
It is important to take all vitamins and supplements no less than one hour before or two hours after taking the medication. Given its coating effect, it will also inhibit the body's ability to absorb the nutrients/vitamins in the supplement.
How to take this medicaiton
- The medication is generally taken 4x/day depending on severity of symptoms. The medication needs to be taken 2-3 hours after and at least one hour before eating. It is also helpful to take one tablet before bedtime to coat the stomach from any acids that may come into it at night.
- Sucrafalate should not be taken within 30 minutes of taking an antacid.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- Continue to take this medication for the full course of treatment even if you feel better. However, if your symptoms do not improve or get worse over the course of treatment, check with your doctor.
- In some cases, long term use is approved and necessary.
Side effects
Side effects vary by person.
- Some experience constipation, but this generally goes away during treatment.
- Some may experience an allergic reaction to the medication in which case they should stop taking it immediately.
- People with kidney failure should check with their doctor or pharmacist before they take this medication. Sucrafalate contains aluminum which may accumulate in the body.
Contraindications/ drug and food interactions
- Sucrafalate may have interactions with other drugs and may decrease their effectiveness. A list of drugs that are known to be less effective is sucrafalate is taken are:
- Check with your doctor, but generally this medication is approved of for pregnancy.
Availability
- Prescription; the generic name is Carafate.
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