Carafate (Sucralfate)

Carafate

Generic name: Sucralfate

What are sucralfate tablets?

SUCRALFATE (Carafate®) helps to treat or prevent the recurrence of stomach or duodenal (intestinal) ulcers. Sucralfate coats and protects ulcers or irritated stomach lining from the effects of acid. Sucralfate is sometimes prescribed for other gastrointestinal problems like acid-reflux, esophagitis, or mouth ulceration. Generic sucralfate tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• kidney disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sucralfate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take sucralfate tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Sucralfate works best if taken on an empty stomach, usually 1 hour before meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with sucralfate?

• antacids
• antibiotics
• digoxin
• ketoconazole
• levothyroxine and other thyroid hormones
• omeprazole or lansoprazole
• phenytoin
• ranitidine
• theophylline

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from taking sucralfate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare:

• difficulty breathing
• drowsiness or dizziness
• skin rash
• swelling of the face and lips

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• dry mouth
• headache
• indigestion, gas (flatulence)

What should I watch for while taking sucralfate?

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your condition does not improve, or if it gets worse. Although healing with sucralfate may begin to occur within two weeks, you should continue treatment until your prescriber or health care professional has made sure healing is complete.

If you need to take antacid, take it at least 2 hours after a dose of sucralfate or more than 30 minutes before.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.