Sucralfate is used short-term (up to 8 weeks) to treat an active duodenal ulcer.

Sucralfate works mainly in the lining of the stomach and is not highly absorbed into the body. sucralfate adheres to ulcer sites and protects them from acids, enzymes, and bile salts.

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.

The liquid form of sucralfate should never be injected through a needle into the body, or death may occur.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take sucralfate on an empty stomach.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar regularly. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels.

The liquid from of this medicine should never be injected through a needle into the body, or death may occur. Sucralfate oral suspension is to be taken only by mouth.

It may take 2 to 8 weeks before you receive the full benefit of taking sucralfate. Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time, even if your symptoms quickly improve.

Your doctor may want you to keep taking sucralfate at a lower dose once your active ulcer has healed. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.

Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer:

1 g orally 4 times a day
-Duration of therapy: 4 to 8 weeks

Comments:
-Each dose should be taken on an empty stomach.
-For most patients, treatment should continue for 4 to 8 weeks; however, treatment may be stopped early if healing is demonstrated on x-ray/endoscopic tests.
-Antacids may be given, but use should be separated by at least 30 minutes.

Use: Short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers

Usual Adult Dose for Duodenal Ulcer Prophylaxis:

Oral Tablets: 1 g orally 2 times a day
-Duration of therapy: Up to 1 year

Comments:
-Each dose should be taken on an empty stomach.
-Controlled studies did not extend beyond 12 months.

Use: Maintenance therapy for patients after healing of acute duodenal ulcers

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• diabetes;

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis); or

• trouble swallowing tablets.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of sucralfate.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

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

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not freeze sucralfate liquid.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

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.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid, and use only the type your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for sucralfate to work in your stomach. Avoid taking an antacid within 30 minutes before or after taking sucralfate.

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

Common side effects of sucralfate may include:

• constipation, diarrhea;

• nausea, vomiting, gas, indigestion;

• itching, rash;

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• 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.

Other drugs may affect sucralfate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to sucralfate.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.