Carafate

Carafate

     * Generic Name: sucralfate
     * Brand Name: Carafate Tablets


     * What is sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * How should I take sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Carafate)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Carafate)?
     * What should I avoid while taking sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * What other drugs will affect sucralfate (Carafate)?
     * Where can I get more information (Carafate)?

What is sucralfate (Carafate)?

   Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer medication.

   Sucralfate is not greatly absorbed into the body through the digestive
   tract. It works mainly in the lining of the stomach by adhering to
   ulcer sites and protecting them from acids, enzymes, and bile
   salts.

   Sucralfate is used to treat an active duodenal ulcer. Sucralfate
   can heal an active ulcer, but it will not prevent future ulcers from
   occurring.

   Sucralfate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of sucralfate (Carafate)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Common side effects may include:
     * nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;
     * stomach pain;
     * constipation, diarrhea;
     * mild itching or skin rash;
     * sleep problems (insomnia);
     * dizziness, drowsiness, spinning sensation;
     * headache; or
     * back pain.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate
(Carafate)?

   Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of
   your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies,
   and all medicines you use.

   Carafate Patient Information including How Should I Take
   RxList

   Take the Pancreatitis Quiz!
   Healthy Eating: Super Steps to Boost Digestive Health

   Boost Digestive Health
   Digestive Disorders: Worst Foods for Digestion

   Foods That Trigger Diarrhea

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sucralfate
(Carafate)?

   You should not use sucralfate if you are allergic to it.

   To make sure sucralfate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * diabetes;
     * kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or
     * trouble swallowing tablets.

   FDA pregnancy category B. Sucralfate is not expected to harm an unborn
   baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
   during treatment.

   It is not known whether sucralfate passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
   baby.

How should I take sucralfate (Carafate)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours
   after a meal.

   Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose.
   Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup.
   If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for
   one.

   Use this medication for the full prescribed length of time. Your
   symptoms may improve before the ulcer is completely healed.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

   Carafate Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   RxList

   Take the Pancreatitis Quiz!
   Healthy Eating: Super Steps to Boost Digestive Health

   Boost Digestive Health
   Digestive Disorders: Worst Foods for Digestion

   Foods That Trigger Diarrhea

What happens if I miss a dose (Carafate)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but avoid taking any
   other medications within 2 hours before or after you take sucralfate.
   Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
   Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Carafate)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking sucralfate (Carafate)?

   Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours before or after you
   take sucralfate. Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to
   absorb other medications you take by mouth.

   Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the
   type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it
   harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach. If your doctor does
   recommend using an antacid, avoid taking it within 30 minutes before or
   after taking sucralfate.

What other drugs will affect sucralfate (Carafate)?

   Sucralfate can make it harder for your body to absorb other medications
   you take by mouth. Avoid taking any other medications within 2 hours
   before or after you take sucralfate.

   Other drugs may interact with sucralfate, including prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of
   your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any
   medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Carafate)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about sucralfate.
     __________________________________________________________________

   Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of
   children, never share your medicines with others, and use this
   medication only for the indication prescribed.
   Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by
   Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete,
   but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained
   herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for
   use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and
   therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United
   States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
   Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or
   recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational
   resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring
   for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a
   supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill,
   knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a
   warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be
   construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe,
   effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume
   any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the
   aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is
   not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions,
   warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If
   you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your
   doctor, nurse or pharmacist.