Common uses
Carafate is a gastric protective. It works by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts, and enzymes in the stomach. It is used for treatment and prevention of ulcers. Sometimes it may also be prescribed for other purposes.
Before using
Duodenal ulcer is a chronic, recurrent disease. While short-term treatment with sucralfate can result in complete healing of the ulcer, a successful course of treatment with sucralfate should not
be expected to alter the posthealing frequency or severity of duodenal ulceration.
When sucralfate is administered orally, small amounts of aluminum are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Concomitant use of sucralfate with other products that contain aluminum, such as aluminum-containing antacids, may increase the total body burden of aluminum. Patients with normal renal function receiving the recommended doses of sucralfate and aluminum-containing products adequately excrete aluminum in the urine. Patients with chronic renal failure or those receiving dialysis have impaired excretion of absorbed aluminum. In addition, aluminum does not cross dialysis membranes because it is bound to albumin and transferrin plasma proteins. Aluminum accumulation and toxicity (aluminum osteodystrophy, osteomalacia, encephalopathy) have been described in patients with renal impairment.
• Sucralfate should be used with caution in patients with chronic renal failure.
Directions
Use Carafate as directed by your doctor.
• Take Carafate by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Do not take an antacid for at least 30 minutes before or after taking Carafate.
• Do not take Carafate at the same time as other medicines. Take Carafate at least 2 hours after other medicines. If you are not sure about the best time to take Carafate, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Carafate.
Cautions
If you have kidney failure or are on dialysis, the doctor will be cautious about prescribing Carafate. Use of Carafate while taking aluminum-containing antacids may increase the possibility of aluminum poisoning in those with kidney failure.
Possible side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Carafate.
Side effects may include
• constipation
• back pain
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• gas
• headache
• indigestion
• insomnia
• itching
• nausea
• possible allergic reactions
• including hives and breathing difficulty
• rash
• sleepiness
• stomach upset
• vertigo
• vomiting
If you take too much
Although the risk of overdose with Carafate is low, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting.
Drug interactions
If Carafate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Carafate with the following:
• Antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox
• Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Drugs for controlling spasms, such as Bentyl
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
• Phenytoin (Dilantin)
• Quinidine (Quinidex)
• Quinolone antibiotics such as Cipro and Floxin
• Ranitidine (Zantac)
• Tetracycline (Sumycin)
• Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
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