Sucralfate (Oral)

Brand Names : Carafate, Apo-sucralfate, Sulcrate, Sulcrate Suspension Plus

Proper Use of This Medicine

Sucralfate is best taken with water on an empty stomach 1 hour before meals and at bedtime, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Also, it is important that you keep your doctor's appointments for check-ups so that your doctor will be better able to tell you when to stop taking this medicine.

Dosing - The dose of sucralfate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of sucralfate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking sucralfate .

• For oral dosage form (suspension):
  • To treat duodenal ulcers:
    • Adults and teenagers - One gram four times a day, one hour before each meal and at bedtime. Some people may take two grams two times a day, when they wake up and at bedtime on an empty stomach.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • To treat duodenal ulcers:
    • Adults and teenagers - One gram four times a day, one hour before each meal and at bedtime.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To prevent duodenal ulcers:
    • Adults and teenagers - One gram two times a day on an empty stomach.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.