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Generic Name: Sucralfate
Brand Name(s):
Information updated: April 1, 2000
Overview
Carafate is a unique anti-ulcer medication that appears to work in part by
forming a protective layer over stomach sores and speeding healing.
It
may also reduce some of the damage caused by irritating medicines such as
aspirin and other anti-inflammatory arthritis drugs.
Carafate can also
be helpful in cases of severe heartburn called reflux esophagitis.
Side Effects and Interactions
Side effects associated with Carafate are
uncommon. Some people have reported constipation, nausea, stomach upset,
diarrhea, flatulence, and dry mouth.
Other potential adverse reactions
include rash, itching, dizziness, sleepiness or insomnia, headache and back
pain.
Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.
Be sure to
contact the doctor immediately if you notice red or tar-black stools or vomit
red or "coffee-ground-colored" material, as any of these symptoms could signal
internal bleeding.
Carafate is capable of interacting with a number of
other medications. It may reduce the absorption of antibiotics like Cipro,
Floxin, Noroxin, Penetrex and tetracycline.
Carafate may also affect
such drugs as Dilantin, Coumadin, Lanoxin, Tagamet and Cuprimine.
Check
with your pharmacist and physician for special instructions and precautions
before taking any other medication.
Special Precautions
Because aluminum makes up almost 20 percent of this compound, people with kidney disease or those who must rely on dialysis should be very cautious when taking Carafate.
Kidney problems predispose people to aluminum toxicity, so such patients should use this ulcer medicine or any aluminum-containing antacid judiciously and only under careful medical supervision.
Taking the Medicine
The manufacturer recommends that Carafate be taken on an empty stomach. That usually means at
least an hour before meals or two hours after eating.
Antacids should not be taken at the
same time you swallow Carafate.
If such additional products become necessary, wait at least
30 minutes after swallowing Carafate before taking the antacid.
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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio.
© 2000
Reader Comments
I am concerned about systemic effects of the aluminum in Carafate. We are being told aluminum affects the brain adversely. What about it?
Posted by: rkc | May 17, 2008 8:34 AM