Carafate: Agent for Duodenal Ulcers

Many people in the United States suffer from a form of ulcer. One of the forms of ulcers that affect these people is known as duodenal ulcer. Duodenal ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, and the infection creates pain in the lining of the stomach. If you have recently visited your doctor's office for relief from the symptoms of your duodenal ulcer, your doctor may have prescribed you Carafate (Sucralfate). Carafate (Sucralfate) comes in tablet form, as well as a suspension. The tablet form is pink in color, and its strength is one gram. The suspension is always one gram for every ten milliliters, and it comes in a cherry flavor.

Carafate (Sucralfate)'s indications are for short term duodenal ulcer. Short term usually refers to duodenal ulcers that last from four to eight weeks. The dosage indication for Carafate (Sucralfate) is one gram four times a day on an empty stomach. Your doctor may have prescribed you an antacid for pain relief, but never take the antacid within thirty minutes of your Carafate (Sucralfate) dose. If your doctor has prescribed Carafate (Sucralfate) for the maintenance of your duodenal ulcer, then one gram of Carafate (Sucralfate) is to be taken two times a day, and always on an empty stomach.

Carafate (Sucralfate) works because the Sucralfate in Carafate covers the ulcer site and protects it against any further attack by pepsin, acid, and bile which are in relation to the neutralization of your gastric acids. Sucralfate is basically aluminum salt of sulfated sucrose. When taking Carafate (Sucralfate), keep in mind that it may decrease the actions of certain medicines. These medicines include penicillamine, theophylline, tetracyclines, digoxins, cimetidine, ranitidine, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and phenytoin. If you are using any one of these medicines with Carafate (Sucralfate), take Carafate (Sucralfate) two hours after taking any one of these medicines.

If you are a patient who is allergic to any ingredient in Carafate (Sucralfate), especially Sucralfate, then Carafate (Sucralfate) may not be for you. If you go to the doctor, make sure to tell him about any existing chronic renal failure. If you fail to do so, the chronic renal failure will possibly cause absorption of small traces of aluminum. So it's best to avoid other agents that also contain aluminum, and it's also wise to exercise caution when taking Carafate (Sucralfate) while having chronic renal failure. As for side effects, Carafate (Sucralfate) does cause constipation in some patients who use the medication. Remember to take Carafate (Sucralfate) on an empty stomach one hour or two hours after each meal. Also avoid antacids, as was mentioned earlier. Store Carafate (Sucralfate) away from children, sunlight, and moisture. The bathroom is NOT a good place to store Carafate (Sucralfate). Any dampness of excessive sunlight can actually lessen the potency of Carafate (Sucralfate). Before using Carafate (Sucralfate), shake the suspension vigorously if you have the liquid form of Carafate (Sucralfate). Never freeze the suspension form of Carafate (Sucralfate). If you miss a dose, do not take the next dose when you remember. Rather, wait until your next scheduled dose. Never double dose on Carafate (Sucralfate). And also importantly, remember not to take Carafate (Sucralfate) within two hours of other prescription medications in order to avoid adverse effects. When taken properly, Carafate (Sucralfate) should ease the symptoms of your duodenal ulcer. Remember, that you as the patient play a great role in your own health. As long as you comply with the doctor's recommendations, your condition will improve and you will find relief with Carafate (Sucralfate).