CARAFATE (CALLED SULCRATE IN CANADA) – ORAL SUSPENSION (SUCRALFATE)

Carafate Oral Suspension Description

Carafate (called Sulcrate in Canada) Oral Suspension is often prescribed for treating ulcers in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which includes your esophagus and stomach. It can also help to protect your stomach lining.

An ulcer is an open sore or erosion that develops in the lining of your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (first part of your small intestine). You are at risk for an ulcer if: you have been taking non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs for an extended time; if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, better known as GERD; or you have a bacterial infection caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

What Does Carafate Oral Suspension Do?

The active ingredient in Carafate Oral Suspension is called Sucralfate, and is a compound of disaccharide sugar, sucrose, together with sulfate and aluminum. When taken as directed, this oral drug will be minimally absorbed into your body and works totally on your stomach lining and duodenum to bind to and coat the surfaces of the ulcers. This action protects the ulcer from further injury caused by your stomach acid and pepsin, which is an enzyme that breaks proteins apart. Carafate Oral Suspension may also increase production of prostaglandins, enzymes that are important for defending your gastric mucosal lining.

Normally your stomach produces acid in order to digest the food you eat and to kill bacteria. There is usually a balance of the acid you produce and the mucous lining that acts as a defence barrier against the acid. If anything upsets this balance, the acid can cause your stomach lining to become inflamed or develop an ulcer.

Things to Discuss with Your Doctor About Carafate Oral Suspension

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Carafate Oral Suspension. Provide a list of all Rx drugs you currently take or use, including OTC meds, herbal remedies, and dietary or vitamin supplements. This helps to determine if Carafate Oral Suspension is safe for you to take.

What You Need to Know While Taking Carafate Oral Suspension

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how your body will react to taking Carafate Oral Suspension. Stop taking antacids for your heartburn or GERD symptoms and ask your doctor which ones are okay to take while on Carafate Oral Suspension. Keep Carafate Oral Suspension and other medications out of children’s reach.

Possible Side Effects of Carafate Oral Suspension

• Constipation
• Headache
• Gas
• Dizziness