Microplastics and Misinformation: What Science Really Says
November 12, 2025
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Brand Name :
Carafate
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
sucralfate
Class :
Drugs for peptic ulcer & Mucosal protectors
Brand Name :
Carafate
(United States) [Available]Synonyms :
sucralfate
Class :
Drugs for peptic ulcer & Mucosal protectors
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Suspension, Oral:
1g/10ml
Tablet, Oral:
1g
Initial:
1
g
tablet/suspension four times a day for 4 to 8 weeks.
Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
1
g
suspension/tablet four times a day in combination with proton pump inhibitors
1
g
suspension apply for 1 to 2 minutes directly to the oral ulcer 4 times a day
Due to radiation:
2g tablets/suspension dissolved in 20 ml water twice a day for 4 weeks or until resolution of symptoms
1
g
Suspension
4 times a day
2
weeks
in combination with antisecretory agents
Dosage Forms & Strengths
Suspension, Oral:
1g/10ml
Tablet, Oral:
1g
40 - 80
mg/kg
Orally
dose divided every 6 hours
per day
Infants > 3 months and children <6 years:
500
mg
Orally
4 times a day
Children > 6 years: 1000 mg/dose four times a day
Sucralfate may reduce the serum concentration of balovir marboxile
Sucralfate may reduce the serum concentration of bictegravir
Sucralfate may reduce the serum concentration of cabotevir
Sucralfate may reduce the serum concentration of deferiprone
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of digoxin
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of dolutegravir
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of elvitegravir
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of furosemide
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of ketoconazole
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of levoketoconazole
Sucralfate may diminish the serum concentration of levothyroxin
may enhance the serum concentration when combined with sucralfate
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with quinolones
may diminish the serum concentration when combined with quinolones
may enhance the serum concentration of vitamin D analogs
may diminish the quinolones absorption
may diminish the serum concentration of quinolones
may increase the serum concentration of Vitamin D analogs
may enhance the serum concentration of Vitamin D Analogs
the excretion rate of bisoxatin may be decreased with sucralfate leading to higher concentration in serum
anti-cholinergic agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of gastrointestinal agents
anti-cholinergic agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of gastrointestinal agents
anti-cholinergic agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of gastrointestinal agents
anti-cholinergic agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of gastrointestinal agents
anti-cholinergic agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of gastrointestinal agents
It may enhance the effects when combined with vitamin D
may diminish the therapeutic effect
demeclocycline may reduce the therapeutic effect of the other drug by affecting intestinal flora
doxycycline may reduce the therapeutic effect of the other drug by affecting intestinal flora
Action:
Sucralfate is a locally acting gastrointestinal agent used primarily for the treatment of ulcers. It forms a protective barrier over ulcers by binding to proteins at the ulcer site and interacting with gastric acid to produce a viscous, paste-like substance. This barrier protects the ulcer from further damage by acid, pepsin, and bile salts, allowing healing to occur. Sucralfate also promotes the local release of prostaglandins and bicarbonate, which support mucosal defense and repair.
Spectrum:
Sucralfate does not possess antimicrobial activity; instead, its therapeutic effect is localized to the gastrointestinal tract, where it targets conditions involving mucosal injury. It is primarily indicated for the treatment and maintenance of duodenal ulcers, as well as for gastric ulcers. Additionally, sucralfate is used for stress ulcer prophylaxis and provides mucosal protection in conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomatitis, and radiation-induced esophagitis.
Frequency defined:
1%-10%
<1%:
Bronchospasm
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Facial edema
Hypersensitivity
Gastric distress
Headache
Mouth edema
Skin rash
Vertigo
Vomiting
Xerostomia
Insomnia
None
Contraindication:
Hypersensitivity
Caution:
Chronic kidney disease
Dysphagia or esophageal strictures
Pregnancy consideration: Sucralfate does not show any adverse fetal events when used during the first trimester.
Lactation: Excretion of sucralfate in breast milk is not known.
Pregnancy category:
Pharmacokinetics:
Sucralfate is a locally acting gastrointestinal agent that forms a protective barrier over damaged mucosa in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is a complex of sucrose octasulfate and aluminum hydroxide, and its action is non-systemic,it works directly at the site of mucosal injury without significant absorption into the bloodstream.
Absorption
Sucralfate has a low oral bioavailability of approximately 5%, as it is considered a nonsystemic agent. Specifically, the bioavailability of sucrose octasulfate is about 5%, while aluminum is absorbed at around 0.005%. The onset of action occurs within 1 to 2 hours, and its effects can last up to 6 hours.
Metabolism
Sucralfate is not metabolized in the body.
Excretion and Elimination
It is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. It is also dialyzable.
Sucralfate is administered orally, typically on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before meals and at bedtime for optimal effectiveness. It should be taken with water to aid dispersion and absorption at the ulcer site. Tablets should not be crushed or chewed unless specifically directed, while the suspension form should be well shaken before use.
Generic Name: sucralfate
Pronounced: soo-kral-fate
Why do we use sucralfate?
Sucralfate is primarily used for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal ulcers. It is most prescribed for short-term management of active duodenal ulcers and may also be used for maintenance therapy to prevent ulcer recurrence. Additionally, it is effective in treating gastric ulcers and is often used for stress ulcer prophylaxis in hospitalized or critically ill patients. Beyond ulcers, sucralfate provides mucosal protection in conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), oral and esophageal inflammation (e.g., stomatitis, esophagitis, particularly due to radiation or chemotherapy), and other forms of mucosal irritation.
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