What is sucralfate?
Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer medication.
Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.
Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.
Sucralfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate?
Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis.
Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Take this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed.
Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take sucralfate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach. If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate?
To make sure you can safely take sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes;
kidney disease; or
if you are on dialysis.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether sucralfate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.