Sucralfate

About Sucralfate

This belongs to the group of medicines known as chelates and complexes.

Sucralfate is used to treat certain conditions caused by too much acid being produced in the stomach, such as stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers) and ulcers of the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers). It can also be used to prevent ulcers occurring.

Acid is produced naturally in the stomach to help digest food. Excessive amounts of acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing inflammation, ulcers and other conditions.

Sucralfate works by protecting the lining of the stomach, relieving pain and allowing the area to repair itself.

Sucralfate is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Antepsin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Sucralfate

Before taking Sucralfate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from kidney problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Sucralfate

• Take Sucralfate exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• The tablets may be dispersed in water.
• Try not to miss any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember then continue as normal. However, if it is nearly time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and take the next dose on time.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sucralfate contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Do not stop taking Sucralfate without speaking to your doctor first.
• Do not smoke. Smoking increases the amount of acid produced by the stomach and will aggravate your condition.
• Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as Sucralfate. Take them at least two hours before or two hours after a dose of Sucralfate.
• Sucralfate may cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If your mouth becomes too dry, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• If your food is given through a tube into your stomach (enteral food), separate your feed and dose of Sucralfate by 1 hour.
• Sucralfate can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure you are unaffected before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or were to become dizzy.
• Try to avoid foods that may upset your stomach such as, alcohol, citrus fruits and juices, drinks containing caffeine, tomatoes or spicy food.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sucralfate.

Can Sucralfate cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Constipation, diarrhoea, feeling sick, indigestion, stomach discomfort, a dry mouth, skin rashes, back pain, dizziness, headaches or drowsiness.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Sucralfate

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Either discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 28/04/2005