Sucralfate

Sucralfate is used in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. It contains the active ingredient sucralfate which promotes the healing of ulcers by forming a coating over them which acts as a physical barrier.

Sucralfate is taken one hour before meals preferably at bedtime in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen.

The most common side effect of Sucralfate is constipation. Take plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to prevent this. Dizziness and sleepiness may occasionally occur, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.

Before taking Sucralfate inform the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Do not take antacids within two hours of taking Sucralfate.

• Treatment of Intestinal ulcers
• Treatment of Stomach ulcers

Treatment of Intestinal ulcers
Intestinal ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the intestine. Sucralfate is used to treat intestinal ulcers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, preventing further damage to the ulcer, and heals naturally. Sucralfate also reduces pain and bleeding associated with intestinal ulcers. You may be given other medicines along with this medicine depending on what caused the ulcer. You need to keep taking Sucralfate as prescribed by the doctor for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.

Treatment of Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the stomach. Sucralfate is used to treat stomach ulcers. It covers the damaged ulcer tissue in the stomach and protects it against stomach acid or further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly. $also gives relief from pain and discomfort in the stomach associated with stomach ulcers. You need to keep taking the medicine as it is prescribed for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Zifate

• Constipation

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Sucralfate is to be taken empty stomach.

Sucralfate forms a coating over the ulcer or any other raw surface. This creates a physical barrier that protects the ulcer/raw surface from the gastric acid or any other injury, allowing it to heal.

• Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking this medication.
• Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Sucralfate can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
• It may take 4-6 weeks or more for the ulcers to heal completely. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
• Inform your doctor if you have a kidney disorder.
• Take Sucralfate on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before a meal.

Wallace JL, Sharkey KA. Pharmacotherapy of Gastric Acidity, Peptic Ulcers, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1315.

McQuaid KR. Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 1075-76.

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