Drug Name

Carafate (Sucralfate)

Drug Uses

Carafate is used for treating and preventing ulcers. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Carafate as directed by your doctor.

• Take Carafate by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
• Do not take an antacid for at least 30 minutes before or after taking Carafate.
• Do not take Carafate at the same time as other medicines. Take Carafate at least 2 hours after other medicines. If you are not sure about the best time to take Carafate , ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Carafate is a gastric protective. It works by forming a protective layer on the ulcer to serve as a barrier against acid, bile salts, and enzymes in the stomach.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Carafate, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Carafate at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed container. Brief periods at temperatures of 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) are permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Carafate out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Carafate if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Carafate.

• Carafate may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Take Carafate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Carafate has aluminum in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has aluminum in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Carafate should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Carafate while you are pregnant. It is not known if Carafate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you take Carafate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; feeling of a whirling motion.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

More Information

Carafate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.