Carafate (Sucralfate) may be described as an anti – ulceration medication, which works by forming a protective covering or coating over the ulcer. This covering formed by the medication helps protect that particular ulcer and the area around it from stomach acids, hence allowing it to heal.
Carafate (Sucralfate) may also be described as containing a particular type of aluminum salt.
Carafate (Sucralfate) is used to help effectively treat and prevent the spread of duodenal ulcers. This medication is also used to help effectively treat and prevent the spread of other types of ulcers caused by the use of Aspirin and other anti – inflammatory medications.
Furthermore, Carafate (Sucralfate) is also prescribed by your health care professional for the effective treatment of varied gastrointestinal complications, such as acid – reflux, esophagitis and mouth ulceration.
Carafate (Sucralfate) is available in tablet form, which must be taken on an empty stomach, swallowed with a glass of water and usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your health care professional. You must be sure to take this medication 2 hours after or 1 hour prior to meals, preferably on an empty stomach and after you have consulted your health care professional.
Furthermore, you must be sure to follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of Carafate (Sucralfate) you do not understand. You must also be sure to take this medication exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Be sure that you do not suddenly discontinue Carafate (Sucralfate) without prior confirmation from your health care professional since it takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks for an ulcer to completely heal. This medication must not be used in the case of children who are under 18 years of age. If you are required to administer Carafate (Sucralfate) to a child, make sure that you have not only informed your health care professional, but received his approval as well.
Lastly, you must be aware that Carafate (Sucralfate) may or may not react with other medications when taken at the same time. However, taking this particular medication at the same time as other medications prevents your body from 100 percent absorbing and experiencing all the positive effects of this medication. You must know that Carafate (Sucralfate) is also available in suspension form.
While on an ongoing course of Carafate (Sucralfate) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.
Sometimes, Carafate (Sucralfate) may cause the patient to experience nausea, drowsiness, mild headaches, flatulence, an itching sensation, constipation, insomnia and a minor swelling of the face and lips.
Furthermore, Carafate (Sucralfate) may cause the patient to experience an unusual or persistent feeling of fullness in the stomach, vomiting, dizziness, an upset stomach, skin rashes, diarrhea, a dry mouth and back pain.
If you are on an ongoing course of Carafate (Sucralfate) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.
Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Carafate (Sucralfate) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.
Sometimes, Carafate (Sucralfate) interacts with various medications, such as Levothyroxine, Ciprofloxacin, Ranitidine, Naproxen, Digoxin, Ibuprofen, Penicillamine, Norfloxacin, Cimetidine and Ketoconazole.
Furthermore, Carafate (Sucralfate) interacts with various medications, such as Ofloxacin, Phenytoin, Liothyronine, Doxycycline, Theophylline, antacids and antibiotics.
In case of an overdose of Carafate (Sucralfate), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Furthermore, an overdose of Carafate (Sucralfate) may cause one to experience stomach pain, fever, a sore throat or chills.
Your health care professional may order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed, such as blood pressure levels, smooth functioning of the kidneys, blood electrolyte levels and blood cholesterol levels to check your response to Carafate (Sucralfate), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else accidentally use or intentionally share your prescribed dosage of Carafate (Sucralfate) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery or you conceive whilst on a course of Carafate (Sucralfate) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. It is unknown whether Carafate (Sucralfate) passes into breast milk or not.
Lastly, while on an ongoing course of Carafate (Sucralfate), your health care professional may recommend a few changes in your lifestyle, such as a stress – buster programme, dietary changes and particular exercise regimes to help in the treatment and prevention of ulcers.
It is important that you do not take a double dose of Carafate (Sucralfate) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.
Carafate (Sucralfate) is also used to effectively treat certain medical conditions, such as gastric ulcers and gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD – a condition in which stomach acid washes back into the esophagus).
Furthermore, Carafate (Sucralfate) is also used to effectively treat certain medical conditions, such as stomach or intestinal ulcers resulting from stress or trauma and damage caused by certain medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Lastly, you must speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Carafate (Sucralfate) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.
Store Carafate (Sucralfate) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.
Furthermore, you must be sure to throw away any Carafate (Sucralfate) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. But, speak with your pharmacist or health care professional or consult your local waste disposal company about the proper method by which you can safely and effectively discard your unused Carafate (Sucralfate) medication.
It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Carafate (Sucralfate); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from stomach complications, kidney complications (if you are on dialysis), swallowing complications or intestinal complications, such as delayed gastric emptying.
While on an ongoing course of Carafate (Sucralfate), you must keep in mind that as you grow older your kidneys begin to function less efficiently. You must know that this medication contains aluminum, which is normally removed by your kidneys. Hence, elderly people taking Carafate (Sucralfate) are at a greater risk of developing high aluminum levels while using this particular medication along with other products or certain medications that contain aluminum, such as antacids.
Lastly, it also important for you to know that before taking Carafate (Sucralfate) you must not only be certain to inform your health care professional if you smoke or consume illegal medications, but inform your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes.