Carafate

Carafate (Sucralfate)

General information

Carafate is an anti-ulcer medication. It is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts. This drug may also be used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach, and to prevent ulcers caused by the use of aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Directions

Take Carafate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take sucralfate on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, usually 2 to 4 times daily, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Use it at the same times each day. The dosage is based on your medical condition.

Precautions

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, intestine problems, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis. Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take Carafate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take. Avoid using antacids. Some antacids can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach.

Contraindications

Before taking Carafate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, or if you are allergic to sucralfate, pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have back pain, swelling of your face, lips, stomach pain, hives, dizziness, difficult breathing, nausea, mild itching, vomiting, drowsiness, sleep problems, upset stomach, skin rash, dry mouth, gas. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Before taking Carafate tell your doctor if you are using: phenytoin, digoxin, ranitidine, theophylline, blood thinner (warfarin), cimetidine, antibiotics (levofloxacin, ketoconazole, ciprofloxacin), quinidine, levothyroxine, tetracycline. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture in a tight container. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.