Carafate

The active ingredient in Carafate is sucralfate. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by sticking to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Carafate. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Carafate:

• Take this medication without food.
• Before measuring a dose, shake the liquid oral solution. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.
• Regularly monitor your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Depending on your blood sugar levels, your doctor might change your dosage.
• Before you get the full benefits of taking Carafate, it could take two to eight weeks. Even if your symptoms go away right away, take this medication for the entire recommended duration of time.
• After your active ulcer has healed, your doctor could advise you to continue taking Carafate at a reduced dosage. Pay close attention to your doctor's dosage recommendations.

The most common side effects of Carafate include:

• Constipation.
• Diarrhea.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Indigestion.
• Dry mouth.
• Itching or skin rash.
• Headaches.
• Drowsiness.
• Back pain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Carafate. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to Carafate or sucralfate with symptoms such as hives, skin rash, and swelling of the face.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Carafate. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Carafate, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Never inject the liquid form of Carafate into the body with a needle; doing so could result in death.
• Observe all instructions on the label and packaging of your medication. Inform all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medications to each of your healthcare professionals.
• Before or after taking Carafate, wait two hours before taking any other drugs. Your body may find it more difficult to absorb other oral drugs if you take sucralfate.
• If you have a sucralfate allergy, you should avoid using Carafate.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease (or are - receiving dialysis), diabetes, or difficulty swallowing tablets to ensure this medication is safe for you.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of sucralfate.
• If you are taking cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or ranitidine, take them 2 hours before you take Carafate.
• Avoid antacids within 30 minutes of dosing. May reduce the absorption of tetracyclines, quinidine, levothyroxine, phenytoin, and cimetidine.

There are no known contraindications of Carafate, other than do not take the medication if you have had any allergic reactions to it.

One to two hours after taking it, Carafate begins to work. You may need to take the medication daily for weeks or months until your ulcer heals.

and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin, thyroid drugs, theophylline, and warfarin can all interact with sucralfate.
• There may also be interactions with diet, medicines like ciprofloxacin, and bisphosphonates like Fosamax. This is probably because sucralfate coats your intestines and stomach to promote the healing of ulcers. This may hinder the absorption of other drugs.
• See the warning section for more information on other drug interactions.

Typical dosage forms for Carafate:

Duodenal ulcer treatment: For one to two months, one gram of the tablet or oral suspension should be taken orally four times a day on an empty stomach.

Maintenance treatment (only tablets): One gram taken orally twice a day is the usual dosage.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose and take the medication as soon as you can. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Keep out of the heat and moisture and store at room temperature. Keep the liquid medication from freezing and out of reach of children.

Aptalis Pharma Canada ULC, an AbbVie company is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Carafate.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Carafate, with the active ingredient of sucralfate.

Except as directed by your healthcare provider, do not stop taking. Discuss the usage of this drug in children with your care team.

Research suggests that sucralfate is safe to use during pregnancy. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Although Carafate is almost completely insoluble when taken orally, there is no data on its use during nursing. The majority of authorities believe that sucralfate is safe to take while nursing. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.