Carafate Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Carafate Tablet (sucralfate) is a prescription gastric protectant used to treat active duodenal ulcers and, at a lower dose, to help prevent their recurrence after healing. It comes as a tablet or oral liquid suspension and works mainly within the stomach and gut lining rather than being absorbed into the body. It is typically taken on an empty stomach, spaced apart from other medicines and antacids.

What is Carafate Tablet

Carafate is a prescription medicine used to treat ulcers in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). It comes as a tablet or a liquid suspension and works mainly in the stomach and gut lining rather than being absorbed into the body.

Carafate Tablet uses

• Short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of active duodenal ulcer
• Maintenance therapy at a lower dose after a duodenal ulcer has healed, to help reduce the chance of it coming back
• Treats active duodenal ulcers
• Helps protect damaged gastrointestinal lining
• Supports healing of ulcerated tissue
• May be used for maintenance after duodenal-ulcer healing

Benefits of Carafate Tablet

• Forms a protective coating over the ulcer site to shield it from stomach acid, enzymes, and bile salts
• Helps the ulcer heal without being absorbed much into the rest of the body
• May help reduce the recurrence of duodenal ulcers when used as maintenance therapy

How Carafate Tablet works

Carafate works mostly inside the stomach and gut rather than through the bloodstream. It sticks to the ulcer and forms a protective barrier that keeps stomach acid, the digestive enzyme pepsin, and bile salts from causing more damage, which gives the ulcer a chance to heal.

Carafate Tablet dosage

Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Avoid taking other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking Carafate, since it can reduce how well your body absorbs them. If you take antacids for pain relief, do not take them within half an hour before or after your Carafate dose. Shake the oral liquid well before measuring each dose, and use a proper measuring device instead of a kitchen spoon. Continue taking this medicine for the full length of time your doctor prescribes, even if you start feeling better quickly. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not take two doses at once. Older adults may need a more cautious starting dose because of a higher chance of reduced liver, kidney, or heart function.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Oral suspension (liquid)

Side effects of Carafate Tablet

Common

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea, vomiting
• Gas, indigestion, stomach discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Itching or rash
• Dizziness or feeling off balance
• Drowsiness or trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Back pain

Serious

• Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Racing heart, fever, or swollen lymph nodes during an allergic reaction
• A blockage in the intestines (bezoar) that can cause loss of appetite, feeling full quickly, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain or bloating, or blood in the stool

Warnings and precautions

• The liquid form of this medicine must never be injected into the body — it is meant to be swallowed only, as injection can be fatal.
• People who have trouble swallowing, or conditions that affect the throat or gag reflex, should use the tablets with caution, since there have been reports of tablets being accidentally breathed into the airway and causing breathing problems.
• People with diabetes may experience high blood sugar while using this medicine, so blood sugar should be monitored closely and diabetes medication doses may need adjusting.
• Taking this medicine along with other oral medicines can reduce how well your body absorbs those other medicines, so it's best to space doses apart.
• Pregnancy: It is not known for certain if this medicine is safe during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant, so they can weigh the benefits and risks.
• Breastfeeding: It isn't known whether this medicine passes into breast milk, so caution is advised if you are breastfeeding.
• Kidney: People with chronic kidney failure or those on dialysis should use this medicine with caution, since their bodies may have trouble clearing the small amount of aluminum absorbed from the medicine, which can build up and cause toxicity.
• Alcohol: It isn't known whether drinking alcohol affects this medicine.
• Driving: This medicine can cause dizziness, sleepiness, or vertigo. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at controlled room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Oral liquid: shake well before using and avoid freezing
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture and heat
• Keep out of reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, including hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your healthcare provider right away if you notice signs of a blockage in your intestines, such as loss of appetite, feeling full after eating very little, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain or bloating, or blood in your stool.
• If you think you or someone else has taken too much of this medicine, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center.

Alternatives

• Omeprazole
• Esomeprazole
• Pantoprazole