What it means
In acid, sucralfate becomes a sticky paste that clings to the raw surface of an ulcer and shields it from acid and pepsin while it heals. Very little enters the blood. Constipation is the most common side effect. It contains aluminum, so it is used with care in kidney failure.
For the nurse
Give it on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals and at bedtime. It can bind other drugs, so give other medicines at least 2 hours apart from it. Antacids should be given at least 30 minutes before or after.
At a glance
| Drug class | mucosal protectant (antiulcer agent) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Carafate |
| Spanish | sucralfato |
| Also written | Carafate |
Related terms
ulcer
An open sore where the skin or the lining of an organ has broken down.
famotidine
An H2 blocker, given by mouth or IV, that lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.
pantoprazole
A proton pump inhibitor, taken by mouth or IV, that strongly lowers the amount of acid the stomach makes.