Brand Names: Carafate

Generic Name: sucralfate (oral) (Pronunciation: soo KRAL fate)

• What is sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• How should I take sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Carafate Tablets)?
• What happens if I overdose (Carafate Tablets)?
• What should I avoid while taking sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• What other drugs will affect sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?

Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer medication.

Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.

Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from occurring.

Sucralfate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Carafate 1 gram

oblong, pink, imprinted with CARAFATE, 17 12

Sucralfate 1 gram-TEV

oblong, white, imprinted with BIOCRAFT, 105 105

Sucralfate 1 g-WAT

oblong, blue, imprinted with WATSON 780

What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, indigestion;
• stomach pain;
• constipation, diarrhea;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation;
• headache; or
• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate (Carafate Tablets)?

Before taking sucralfate, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis). You may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take sucralfate.

Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Take sucralfate for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely cleared.

Avoid taking any other medications at the same time you take sucralfate. It is best not to take other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate.

Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid your doctor recommends. Antacids contain different medicines and some types can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach.

If your doctor does recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.