Carafate 1 gram tablet

Generic name:
Sucralfate - oral

Pronunciation
(soo-KRAL-fate)

Brand name(s)
Carafate

This medication is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the intestines. Sucralfate forms a coating over ulcers, protecting the area from further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly.

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used for ulcers in the stomach. It may also be used to lessen the risk of ulcers caused by aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen).

Take this medicine by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Keep taking this medication even if you do not feel ulcer pain. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take 4 to 8 weeks for your ulcer to heal completely.

Some medications may not work as well if you take them at the same time as sucralfate. They may need to be taken at a different time of the day than the time you take sucralfate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help making a dosing schedule that will work with all your medications.

Antacids can be used with this medicine, but they should be taken at least 30 minutes before or after sucralfate.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse after you have been taking sucralfate for 4 weeks.

Constipation, dry mouth, upset stomach, gas, and nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• an unusual feeling of fullness in the stomach that doesn't go away
• nausea/vomiting/stomach pain especially after meals
• difficulty swallowing

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• kidney problems
• swallowing problems (such as difficulty swallowing, history of aspiration)
• stomach/intestine problems (such as delayed gastric emptying)
• tube feeding
• use of a breathing tube (tracheotomy)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be at greater risk for developing high aluminum levels while using this drug with other products that contain aluminum (such as antacids).

If you are pregnant, tell your doctor before using sucralfate.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• antacids that contain aluminum
• certain antibiotics (for example, quinolones such as ciprofloxacin/levofloxacin/ofloxacin, tetracyclines)
• digoxin
• ketoconazole
• levoketoconazole
• penicillamine
• phenytoin
• quinidine
• thyroid medications (such as levothyroxine, liothyronine)

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes such as stress-reducing programs, diet changes and exercise to assist in treatment and prevention of ulcers.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.