Pharmacology of Carafate

Pharmacological action - antiulcer, absorbent, enveloping, antacid, gastroprotective.

In the acidic environment of the stomach (at a pH below 4) it breaks down into aluminum and sucrose sulfate; the former denatures mucus proteins, and the latter combines with them, is fixed on the necrotic masses of ulcerative lesions, forms a protective film, which is a barrier to the action of pepsin, hydrochloric acid and thrown bile. It adsorbs bile acids, waste products of the gastrointestinal microflora, reduces the local inflammatory process.

The gel firmly covers the ulcerative surface in the stomach and duodenum for 6 hours. It interacts slightly with the normal mucous membrane.

Up to 5% of the disaccharide component and less than 0.02% of aluminum are absorbed in the digestive tract. It is excreted mainly with feces, a small amount of sulfate disaccharide (which has entered the systemic circulation) is excreted by the kidneys.

Application of the substance Sucralfate

Peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum (prevention and treatment), damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa caused by stress or taking NSAIDs (prevention and treatment), hyperacid gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hyperphosphatemia in patients with uremia who are on hemodialysis.

How to use Carafate: dosage and course of treatment

Inside, without chewing, drinking a small amount of water, 1 hour before meals and before bedtime, adults - 0.5-1 g 4 times a day or 1 g in the morning and evening or 2 g 2 times per day (after waking up in the morning and before going to bed on an empty stomach); the maximum daily dose is 8-12 g. The average duration of peptic ulcer treatment is 4-6 weeks; if necessary - up to 12 weeks.

Children - 0.5 g 4 times a day.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity, dysphagia or gastrointestinal obstruction, bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, severe renal failure, childhood (up to 4 years).

Application during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interaction

Reduces the absorption of fluoroquinolones (including moxifloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin), tetracyclines, theophylline, phenytoin. Increases (mutually) the toxicity of preparations containing aluminum (especially in patients with renal failure). The activity of sucralfate is reduced by antacids, blockers of histamine H2receptors.

Precautions for Sucralfate

In patients with renal insufficiency, control of serum aluminum and phosphate levels is necessary - the appearance of drowsiness and seizures may indicate the manifestation of the toxic effect of aluminum. When used in combination, antacids should be prescribed 30 minutes before or 30 minutes after sucralfate. Administration through a nasogastric tube can lead to the formation of bezoar with other drugs or parenteral nutrition solutions (due to the ability to bind protein).

What other medicines will affect Carafate?

Carafate can make it difficult for your body to absorb other medicines you take by mouth. Avoid taking any other medicines within 2 hours before or after taking sucralfate.

Other drugs may interact with Carafate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you are using now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Carafate: hives; Labored breathing; Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of Carafate may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, upset stomach;

• abdominal pain;

• Constipation, diarrhea;

• Mild itching or skin rash;

• Sleep problems (insomnia);

• Dizziness, drowsiness, spinning;

• Headache; or

• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may arise. Ask your doctor about side effects.