Uses of Carafate:

• It is used to treat GI (gastrointestinal) ulcers.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Carafate?

• If you have an allergy to sucralfate or any other part of Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension).
• If you are allergic to Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension); any part of Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Carafate?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This medicine may raise how much aluminum is in the body. Aluminum toxicity has happened in people with kidney problems. Before you start any new drug, check the label to see if it has aluminum in it. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension) with care. You could have more side effects.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Carafate) best taken?

Use Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take on an empty stomach.
• Shake well before use.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension). If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension).
• Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension).
• Try to space other drugs from this one by 2 hours. This medicine stops many drugs from getting into the body.
• Keep taking Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
• Take by mouth only. Very bad and sometimes deadly side effects may happen if Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension) is injected.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.

What are some other side effects of Carafate?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Carafate?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Carafate (sucralfate oral suspension), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Can you buy something like carafate over the counter without a prescription?