Sucralfate (sucralfate): functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What medicine is Sucralfate (Sucralfate)?

The function of the drug sucralfate (sucralfate)?

Sucralfate (sucralfate) is a medicine to treat ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.

Sucralfate works by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to protect it from infection and further damage. This protective layer will help speed up the healing process of the ulcer (inflammation).

How do you use sucralfate (sucralfate)?

Sucralfate is a people's drug that is usually available in suspension. Shake it first before drinking it. Usually, the drug sucralfate is taken as much as 2 tablespoons 4 times a day on an empty stomach or 1 hour before meals. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take this drug regularly for optimal benefits. To help remember, take this medication at the same time each day. Do not stop using this medication before consulting a doctor.

It is important to continue using the drug even if you don't feel pain in the stomach / small intestine. Do not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.

It may take 4 to 8 weeks of treatment for the ulcer to completely heal.

Some medications may not work well when taken with sucralfate and you need to be given a break before taking them. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist to help you make the right medication schedule.

Antacids can also be used in combination with the drug sucralfate. However, you must take this medication at least 30 minutes before taking sucralfate.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or even gets worse after taking sucralfate for 4 weeks.

How to store sucralfate (sucralfate)?

Sucralfate is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom or put it in. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules.

Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down drains or toilets unless instructed to do so. Discard this medicine if it has reached its expiration date or is no longer needed.

You can ask your pharmacist about how to safely dispose of the medicine.

Sucralfate dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of sucralfate (sucralfate) for adults?

The following are the dosages of sucralfate that are recommended for adults:

Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer

Typically 1,000 milligrams, 4 times a day, or 2,000 milligrams, 2 times a day, for 4-8 weeks. Can be continued for up to 12 weeks.

The next dose is 1,000 milligrams, 2 times a day, to prevent duodenal ulcers from forming. Maximum dose: 8,000 milligrams per day

Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding due to stress ulcers

Typical dosage: 1,000 milligrams, 6 times a day. Maximum dose: 8,000 milligrams per day

What is the dosage of sucralfate (sucralfate) for children?

The following are the dosages of sucralfate that are recommended for children:

Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer

Recommended dosage:

• Age 1 month-2 years: 250 mg, 4-6 times per day
• Age 2-12 years: 500 mg, 4-6 times per day
• Age 12-18 years: 1,000 mg, 4-6 times per day

Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding due to stress ulcers

Recommended dosage:

• Age 1 month-2 years: 250 mg, 4-6 times per day
• Age 2-12 years: 500 mg, 4-6 times per day
• Age 12-18 years: 1 gram, 4-6 times per day

In what dosage is sucralfate (sucralfate) available?

Sucralfate is available in tablet and suspension form:

• 1,000 mg tablets
• Suspension 500 mg / 5 cc

Sucralfate Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (sucralfate)?

Similar to medicines in general, sucralfate also has the potential to cause side effects in certain people.

Possible side effects of sucralfate include:

• nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort
• stomach ache
• constipation
• diarrhea
• hives, rash on the skin
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation
• headache
• back pain

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above.

It is also possible for sucralfate to cause an effect in the form of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic) even though the incidence is very few.

The following are signs of allergies that you need to be aware of:

• skin rash
• itchy rash
• swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
• severe headache
• difficulty breathing

If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Warnings & Cautions

What should be known before using this drug?

Before using certain medications, including sucralfate, consider the risks and benefits first.

For this drug, pay attention to the following:

1. Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have any unusual or allergic reactions to sucralfate or other medications. Also tell your doctor if you have any other allergies, such as food, coloring, preservatives, or animal allergies. For over-the-counter products, read the labels on the packaging carefully.

2. Children

There is no specific information on the comparison of the effects of using sucralfate for infants or children compared with adults.

However, sucralfate should not produce different side effects for children as it does for adults.

3. Elderly

Many drugs have not been studied specifically for the elderly. Therefore, it is not known whether the drug will work as well as in adults.

Although there is no specific information regarding the comparison of the effects of using sucralfate in the elderly against other age categories, it should not cause any different side effects, as should other age groups.

4. Another important point

Tell your doctor and pharmacist all the medicines you are taking, be it prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or monitor you for side effects.

You also need to tell your doctor if you have certain health problems or conditions.

Is sucralfate safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Make sure you consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies sucralfate into pregnancy risk category D (there is evidence that it is risky).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = Not at risk
• B = No risk in several studies
• C = May be risky
• D = There is positive evidence of risk
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with sucralfate (sucralfate)?

Although some drugs should not be taken at the same time, in other cases several drugs may be prescribed together despite possible drug interactions.

Drug interactions can affect the performance of the drug or increase the risk of side effects.

In such cases, the doctor may change the dose, or take other preventive measures as needed. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other over-the-counter or prescription drugs.

• Ketoconazole

Taking this drug with ketoconazole may increase the risk of side effects, but in some cases, a combination of these two drugs may be the best treatment.

If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Ciprofloxacin
• Digoxin
• Dolutegravir
• Fleroxacin
• Gemifloxacin
• Grepafloxacin
• Moxifloxacin
• Norfloxacin
• Ofloxacin
• Sparfloxacin
• Trovafloxacin Mesylate
• Warfarin

Can food or alcohol interact with this drug?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur.

Smoking or consuming alcohol with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with sucralfate?

Other health conditions that you have can affect the use of the drug sucralfate. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• digestive disorders. Sucralfate can react with other foods or drugs and cause indigestion
• kidney failure. The use of sucralfate can increase the toxicity of aluminum levels in the blood

Overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose of sucralfate?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a sucralfate overdose include:

• indigestion
• nausea
• gag
• stomach ache

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of the drug sucralfate, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose in one medication.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.