Sucralfate is used to treat conditions caused by excessive acidity in your stomach, such as ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine).
This medicine works by forming a coating that protects the stomach ulcer site from further damage caused by stomach acids.
Sucralfate may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Sucralfate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Sucralfate is available as a conventional tablet, chewable tablet and oral suspension.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take the medicine to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
If you are on enteral tube feeding, this medicine must be taken at least 1 hour before feeds. Always flush the tubing with water after each dose of this medicine to ensure that the full dose is taken.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Sucralfate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- difficulty in swallowing
- serious illness e.g. being fed by using a tube to the stomach
- kidney disease or undergoing dialysis (a procedure that helps individuals with kidney failure to filter toxic substances from the blood)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Sucralfate to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. blood sugar) to check your body's response to the medicine, especially if you have diabetes. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
Sucralfate may cause any of the following side effects: constipation, diarrhoea, stomach wind, stomach discomfort, indigestion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, and back pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- unusual hunger or thirst, passing urine more often, breath that smells like fruit, flushing, confusion
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, tetracycline
- medicines that reduce stomach acid production e.g. cimetidine, ranitidine
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- ketoconazole (medicine to treat fungal infection)
- levothyroxine (medicine for thyroid disease)
- phenytoin (medicine for epilepsy [fits or seizures])
- warfarin (blood-thinning medicine)
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Sucralfate.
This medicine should not be taken with antacids (medicines that neutralise stomach acids) as they could reduce the effectiveness of Sucralfate. If you must take an antacid, take it at least 30 minutes before or after you have taken this medicine.
If you must take any other non-antacid oral medicines together with Sucralfate, take them at least 2 hours before or after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Do not freeze the oral suspension.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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