Carafate Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Carafate tablets contain sucralfate and sucralfate is known as (alpha)-D-glucopyranoside, (beta)-D-fructofuranosyl-, octakis-(hydrogen sulfate), and aluminum complex. It is used to treat duodenal ulcer. While healing with sucralfate may occur during the first week or two, then you should be continued treatment for 4 to 8 weeks unless healing has been demonstrated by x-ray.

Carafate Dosage

The usual dose is 1 gram 4 times a day on an empty stomach. Although your ulcer may heal during the first 2 weeks of therapy, but you should be continued for 4 to 8 weeks.

Uses of Carafate

• Carafate tablets are used for the short-term treatment of an active duodenal ulcer.
• It may also be used for other medical conditions those are listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Carafate

Before taken carafate medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor.  If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking carafate. Side effects may include:

• Constipation
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Gas
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting.

Warnings and precautions before taking Carafate:

• If you have kidney failure, then your doctor will be cautious about prescribing carafate. Because the use of carafate while taking aluminum- that are containing antacids may increase the possibility of aluminum poisoning.
• If you are pregnant, then you should talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor your medical history especially if you have stomach problems, difficulty swallowing, any allergies.
• Do not take sucralfate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Do not take sucralfate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Drug Interaction :- If you are taking carafate with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining carafate with the following:

• Antacids such as Mylanta and Maalox
• Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• Drugs for controlling spasms, such as Bentyl
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)

Overdose

After taken carafate if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect. Symptoms of carafate overdose may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting

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