Carafate helps ulcers heal by forming a protective coating over them.

Some doctors also prescribe Carafate for ulcers in the mouth and esophagus that develop during cancer therapy, for digestive tract irritation caused by drugs, for long-term treatment of stomach ulcers, and to relieve pain following tonsil removal.

Carafate, sucralfate is a unique oral drug. Chemically, it is a complex of the disaccharide sugar, sucrose, combined with sulfate and aluminum.

It is minimally absorbed into the body, and its actions are entirely on the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Although its mechanism is not entirely understood, the following actions are thought to be important for its beneficial effects:

1. Carefate, sucralfate binds to the surface of ulcers (attaching to exposed proteins) and coats the ulcer, thus protecting the ulcer surface to some extent

Carafate works best when taken on an empty stomach.

If you take an antacid to relieve pain, avoid doing it within one-half hour before or after you take Carafate.

Always take Carafate exactly as prescribed.

If you miss a Carafate dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next Carafate dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 Carafate doses at the same time.

Storage instructions:

Antacids such as Mylanta, Maalox Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Digoxin (Lanoxin).

Drugs for controlling spasms, such as Bentyl, Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Levothyroxine (Synthroid), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Quinidine (Quinidex), Quinolone.

Antibiotics

The effects of Carafate during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Carafate may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Carafate is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Carafate is finished.
If you have kidney failure or are on dialysis, the doctor will be cautious about prescribing Carafate.

Use of Carafate

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.

More common side effects of Carafate may include:

• Constipation.

Less common or rare side effects may include:

• Back pain,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• gas,
• headache,
• indigestion,
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