Generic
Sucralfate
24 brands available in the market
At a glance
Sucralfate is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. It forms a protective coating over the ulcer, shielding it from gastric acid and promoting healing.
Description
Sucralfate is a basic aluminum salt that reacts with gastric acid to form a viscous, adhesive substance that binds to the ulcer site. It creates a physical barrier that protects the ulcer from gastric acid, pepsin, and bile salts, enhancing the healing process.
Indications
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
- Chronic gastritis
- Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage from stress ulceration
Therapeutic class
Chelating Complex
Pharmacological class
Ulcer Protectant Agent
Pharmacology
Sucralfate reacts with gastric acid to form a viscous, adhesive paste-like substance that binds to the ulcer site. This protective barrier shields the ulcer from gastric acid, pepsin, and bile salts, enhancing the healing process. The drug is minimally absorbed and is primarily excreted in the feces.
Mechanism of action
Forms a protective coating over the ulcer to shield it from acid.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Peptic ulcer/gastritis: 1 g 4 times daily or 2 g twice daily (4-8 weeks; up to 12 weeks if needed)
- Maintenance: 1 g twice daily (to prevent duodenal ulcer recurrence)
- Stress ulcer bleeding prophylaxis: 1 g 6 times daily (max 8 g/day)
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 1 month-2 years: 250 mg 4-6 times daily
- 2-12 years: 500 mg 4-6 times daily
- 12-18 years: 1 g 4-6 times daily
Administration
- Take on an empty stomach (1 hour before meals or at bedtime)
- Swallow tablets/suspension whole or as directed
- Do not take within 30 minutes of antacids
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Constipation (most common)
- Headache, nausea
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Urticaria
Precautions & warnings
- Caution in renal dysfunction (increased aluminum absorption)
- Do not use in dialysis patients
- Bezoar formation possible (critically ill patients, enteral feeding)
- May affect driving ability (dizziness, drowsiness)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to sucralfate
Drug interactions
- Antacids: Do not use within 30 minutes
- Fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, ketoconazole, digoxin, warfarin, phenytoin, theophylline: Reduced absorption; maintain 2-hour interval
Food interactions
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Sucralfate; consult your doctor.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Generally safe; animal studies show low or no adverse effects; limited human data; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: A — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably safe; limited data suggests no significant risk; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children under 14 years
Geriatric use
Elderly: No dose adjustment needed (use the lowest effective dose)
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed; do not use in dialysis patients; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose is usually asymptomatic; rare cases of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting; provide symptomatic treatment.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Sucralfate