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Carafate

Generic name: Sucralfate

Carafate tablets contain sucralfate and sucralfate is an (alpha)-D-glucopyranoside, (beta)-D-fructofuranosyl-, octakis-(hydrogen sulfate), aluminum complex. Carafate is only minimally absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The small amounts of the sulfated disaccharide that are absorbed are excreted primarily in the urine. Carafate (sucralfate) is indicated in: short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcer. While healing with sucralfate may occur during the first week or two, treatment should be continued for 4 to 8 weeks unless healing has been demonstrated by x-ray or endoscopic examination; maintenance therapy for duodenal ulcer patients at reduced dosage after healing of acute ulcers.

Carafate Dosage

• The usual dose is 1 gram (1 tablet or 2 teaspoonfuls of suspension) 4 times a day on an empty stomach. Although your ulcer may heal during the first 2 weeks of therapy, Carafate should be continued for 4 to 8 weeks.
• The usual dose is 1 gram (1 tablet) 2 times a day.

Uses of Carafate

• Carafate tablets and suspension are used for the short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of an active duodenal ulcer.
• Carafate tablets are also used for longer-term therapy at a reduced dosage after a duodenal ulcer has healed.
• This medication is used to treat ulcers.

Side Effects of Carafate

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.

Warnings and precautions before taking Carafate:

• 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.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before taking if you have kidney problems or are on dialysis.
• Tell your doctor your medical history especially of: stomach/intestinal problems, kidney disease, difficulty swallowing, any allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interaction :- 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)

Overdose

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, vomiting