Sucralfate

Sucralfate, drug used to treat ulcers. It works by forming a protective coating over irritated tissues and stimulating tissues to heal. It is primarily used for duodenal ulcers, or ulcers that form in the uppermost 25 cm (10 in) of the small intestine. Sucralfate can also help heal ulcers or similar irritations in the mouth, esophagus, digestive tract, or vagina. It is sometimes used to soothe throat pain after a tonsillectomy.

Prescribed in either tablet or liquid form, sucralfate is taken orally, preferably with water, on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. The typical dosage is 1 g four times a day. Sucralfate is often effective after one to two weeks, although treatment typically lasts from four to eight weeks. This drug heals existing ulcers, but does not stop new ulcers from forming.

Patients with kidney failure should use sucralfate with caution. Its safety for children, or pregnant or breast-feeding women, has not been determined. Possible side effects may include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, or a dry mouth.

Sucralfate may interact adversely with antacids, antispasmodic drugs, certain antibiotics, and blood-thinners, as well as cimetidine, digoxin, ketoconazole, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, tetracycline, and theophylline.