Introduction
Ucrafate is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. It forms a coating over ulcers and creates a physical barrier thereby promotes healing of ulcer.
Ucrafate is taken one hour before meals preferably at bedtime in a dose and duration as 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. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
The most common side effects of this medicine are constipation, so it is better to take plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to avoid side effects. Dizziness and sleepiness may also occur, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking this medicine it is better to inform the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease as a dose of your medicine needs to be adjusted. It is better to not take this medicine along with an antacid, you may try to take it two hours before or after taking this medicine.
Uses of Ucrafate
- Intestinal ulcers
- Stomach ulcers
How to use Ucrafate
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. Ucrafate is to be taken empty stomach.
How Ucrafate works
Ucrafate 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.
What if you forget to take Ucrafate?
If you miss a dose of Ucrafate, 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 schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, GI haemorrhage from stress ulceration
Administration
Should be taken on an empty stomach. Take on an empty stomach 1 hr before or 2 hr after meals.
Adult Dose
Oral
Chronic gastritis; Peptic ulcer
Adult: 1 g 4 times daily or 2 g bid for 4-8 wk, may extend up to 12 wk if necessary. Maintenance dose of 1 g bid may be given to prevent the recurrence of duodenal ulcers. Max: 8 g daily.
Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration
Adult: 1 g 6 times daily. Not to exceed 8 g daily.
Child Dose
Oral
Chronic gastritis; Peptic ulcer
Child: 1 mth-2 yr: 250 mg 4-6 times daily; 2-12 yr: 500 mg 4-6 times daily and 12-18 yr: 1 g 4-6 times daily.
Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal haemorrhage from stress ulceration
Child: 1 mth-2 yr: 250 mg 4-6 times daily;
2-12 yr: 500 mg 4-6 times daily and
12-18 yr: 1 g 4-6 times daily.
Renal Dose
Renal failure: Use with caution; aluminum salt may accumulate
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity.
Mode of Action
Sucralfate protects GI lining against peptic acid, pepsin and bile salts by binding with positively-charged proteins in exudates forming a viscous paste-like adhesive substance thus forming a protective coating.
Precaution
Systemic aluminum toxicity may occur in patients with chronic renal failure. Neonates, children; pregnancy and lactation.
Lactation: Probably safe because drug is minimally absorbed; unknown whether drug is excreted in breast milk
Side Effect
1-10%
Constipation (2%)
<1%
Diarrhea,Dizziness,Dry mouth,Flatulence,Headache,Indigestion,Insomnia,Nausea,Vertigo,Vomiting
Frequency Not Defined
Bezoars formation,Gastrointestinal discomfort
Interaction
Avoid antacids within 30 min of sucralfate admin. May reduce absorption of tetracyclines, ranitidine, ketoconazole, theophylline, phenytoin, cimetidine and digoxin (ensure a dosing interval of at least 2 hr between admin of sucralfate and other non-antacid medications).