(For veterinary information only)
WARNING
The size of the tablet/medication is NOT an indication of a proper dose. Never administer any drug without your veterinarian's input. Serious side effects or death can occur if you use drugs on your pet without your veterinarian's advice.
It is our policy not to give dosing information over the Internet.
Brand Name: Carafate
1 gram tablets and oral suspension
Background
Stomach ulceration in humans is a prominent medical condition, and there has long been pressure to develop effective and convenient ways to address it. Until recently, we relied on simply neutralizing stomach acid by pouring alkaline solutions (i.e., Alka Seltzer, Tums, Rolaids, etc.) into the stomach. In fact, ulceration is a complicated process, and there are many ways to address it.
Sucralfate was developed as an adjunctive treatment for stomach ulcers in humans. Sucralfate is a sucrose aluminum hydroxide compound that forms a gel-like webbing over ulcerated or eroded tissues, thus serving as a sort of a bandage. It is effective in the upper GI tract: stomach, duodenum (upper small intestine), and esophagus.
Sucralfate not only “bandages” the ulcer but accumulates healing tissue factors in its bandage; it not only protects the ulcer but actively assists in the healing process.
How this Medication is Used
Sucralfate may be used in any condition associated with stomach ulceration. Common examples include toxin ingestion and aspirin.
One dose of sucralfate lasts approximately 6 hours after it is taken orally (by mouth). It is best if not given with food or separated from food by at least an hour. Tablets seem most effective if crushed and mixed with water.
If a dose is accidentally skipped, pick up at the next scheduled dose. There is no need to double up at the next dose.
Side Effects
Because sucralfate is a locally-acting medication and is not absorbed into the body, it has limited potential for side effects. Approximately 2% of humans taking sucralfate report constipation as a side effect. Occasional cats will vomit, probably from the chalky taste.
Interactions with Other Drugs
The following medications will be bound by sucralfate and thus will not work as well as normal:
This problem is solved by staggering the timing of when you give sucralfate with these other medications by at least 2 hours.
Sucralfate requires stomach acid in order to form its protective gel. If possible, it should be given 30 minutes prior to giving an antacid.
Concerns and Cautions
Sucralfate tablets do not dissolve well intact and should be crushed, mixed in a little water, and given as a slurry.
Despite the sucrose in the molecular formula of this medication, there is no problem administering sucralfate to diabetic patients.
Sucralfate must be given four times daily in order to provide a continuous protective layer on the ulcer. This is an inconvenient schedule but if doses are skipped, the ulcer goes unprotected for that period of time.
Ideally, this medication is given on an empty stomach (at least one hour before feeding or two hours after).
Administration of sucralfate within 12 to 24 hours of endoscopy can make the detection of stomach and upper intestinal ulcers difficult. If your pet is to have endoscopy and is currently taking sucralfate, find out how far in advance of the procedure the veterinarian prefers that the medication be discontinued.
It is our policy not to give dosing information over the Internet.