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Sucralfate
Sucralfate is prescribed to treat ulcers that occur in the upper part of the small intestine, called duodenal ulcers. This medication can also help prevent these ulcers from recurring. Prior to using this drug, tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Constipation is the most common side effect of this medicine.
Sucralfate (Carafate®) is a prescription medication approved to treat duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the small intestine).
(Click What Is Sucralfate Used For? for more information on what sucralfate is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Are There Side Effects?
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with sucralfate. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.
Constipation is the most common side effect of sucralfate.
(Click Sucralfate Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking sucralfate if you have:
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Undergoing dialysis
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Sucralfate and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Sucralfate and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Sucralfate to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD