SUCRALFATE (Carafate): What is used for?
[toc] What is Sucralfate? Sucralfate (Sucralfato) is an active ingredient used to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers. The brand name of Sucralfate in United States is Carafate. Mechanism of action (MOA) In acidic medium it...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
[toc]
What is Sucralfate?
Sucralfate (Sucralfato) is an active ingredient used to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers.
The brand name of Sucralfate in United States is Carafate.
Mechanism of action (MOA)
In acidic medium it produces a viscous gel that adheres to the proteins of the ulcerous crater, upholstering it and protecting it from the corrosive action of gastric juice.
Therapeutic indications, uses and benefits
Gastric or duodenal ulcer and prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding due to stress ulcer in seriously ill patients.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity.
Sucralfate Dosage
– Gastric or duodenal ulcer: oral, 1 g 4 times/day (before main meals and before bedtime), 4-8 weeks.
– Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding due to stress ulcer in critically ill patients: 1 g/4 h, oral or nasogastric tube.
Warnings and Precautions with Sucralfate
Not recommended in children < 14 years or in patients with severely altered renal function (uremia, dialysis patients); risk of: formation of bezoars (especially in patients in intensive care units) and encephalopathy.
Do not administer intravenously (risk of microembolism or alcohol intoxication; administer heparin to prevent microembolism and deferoxamine and/or hemodialysis to agglutinate circulating alcohol).
Kidney failure
Not recommended in patients with severely altered kidney function (uremia, dialysis patients).
Interactions
- May decrease absorption of: tetracycline, tobramycin, colistine, amphotericin B, phenytoin, sulpiride, digoxin, cimetidine, ranitidine, ketoconazole, delayed-release theophylline, quenodeoxycholic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid, and levothyroxine (dose spacing).
- Administer 2 h later in concomitant treatment with: fluoroquinolones, norfloxacin, ofloxacin.
Caution with: oral anticoagulants (such as warfarin). - Increases alcohol absorption with: medications containing hydrogen sodium-potassium citrate.
Pregnancy
Avoid, limited data.
Animal studies do not suggest direct or indirect harmful effects on pregnancy, embryofetal development, childbirth or postnatal development.
The potential risk in humans is not known.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in breast milk.
The physician should assess whether to continue or discontinue breastfeeding, as well as continue or discontinue sucralfate therapy depending on the benefit of breastfeeding to the child versus the benefit of therapy to the mother.
Adverse reactions and side effects of Sucralfate
Constipation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ VIDEO OF SUCRALFATE/CARAFATE (DRUG)
Source: The content of this active ingredient has been written taking into account the clinical and molecular information of all medicines authorised and marketed in the United States under the Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII) by the Substance Registration System (SRS) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
In order to know in detail the information authorized by the FDA for each drug, you should consult the corresponding medication guide authorized by the FDA.
Resources:
UNII: XX73205DH5
ChemIDplus
DrugPortal
NCI Thesaurus: C848
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
Medicine information can change by country, product formulation and official safety updates. For personal decisions, verify details with official medicine information and a qualified healthcare professional. These official resources can help readers check medicine safety information:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Drug information and safety updates
- MedlinePlus — Medicines and supplements
- European Medicines Agency — Medicines information
- NHS — Medicines A to Z
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Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.