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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Carafate and Equivalent

Carafate Information

Carafate (Sucralfate) is used to treat active duodenal ulcers. A duodenal ulcer is a sore in the lining of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Duodenal ulcers are a type of peptic ulcer, which is an open sore in the stomach or upper small intestine. Gastric protectants like Sucralfate form a coating over the ulcer, protecting the area from stomach acids and digestive enzymes so that it can heal. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.

Carafate Side Effects

The most common side effects of Carafate may include constipation, itching, dizziness, headache, back pain, and nausea. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Appetite loss;
• Problems swallowing;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Unusual and persistent feeling of fullness

Carafate Precautions

Do not use Carafate if you are allergic to Sucralfate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have diabetes, kidney disease, slow movement of food through your stomach, stomach problems, swallowing problems, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Carafate and other medications, such as ciprofloxacin, digoxin, ketoconazole, levothyroxine, phenytoin, quinidine, metformin, cholecalciferol, etc. Do not use Carafate if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is not known whether Sucralfate will harm an unborn baby. Discuss the benefits and risks of using this drug in pregnancy with your doctor. Do not use Carafate while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Sucralfate passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children without talking to your doctor.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Carafate comes as tablets. Take the medicine on an empty stomach. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels. It may take 2 to 8 weeks to receive the full benefit of taking Carafate. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length, even if your symptoms quickly improve. Your doctor may want you to keep taking Carafate at a lower dose once your active ulcer has healed. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications you take by mouth. Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you take Carafate. Avoid taking an antacid within 30 minutes before or after taking Carafate. Store Carafate at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Carafate?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Carafate.