Sucralfate (soo-KRAL-fate)

Treats ulcers.

Brand Name(s):

Carafate

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.
• Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.
• Tablet: Swallow with a glass of water. Take it 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake it well before each use.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how sucralfate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Cimetidine, digoxin, levothyroxine, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, theophylline
  • Medicine to treat infection (including fluoroquinolones, ketoconazole, tetracycline)
• Take antacids more than one-half hour before or after taking sucralfate oral liquid.
• Take cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or ranitidine 2 hours before you take sucralfate oral liquid.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or diabetes.
• This medicine may cause high blood sugar.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
• Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Pain in your lower leg (calf)
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Mild stomach cramps, diarrhea
• Stomach upset, passing gas

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088