$Unique_ID{BRK02136}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{SUCRALFATE}
$Subject{Carafate (Marion)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Carafate*0213601.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


SUCRALFATE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Carafate (Marion)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiulcer
INGREDIENT:
     sucralfate
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (1 g)
STORAGE:
     Sucralfate should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed
       container.

USES:
     Sucralfate is used for the short-term treatment of ulcers.  This
medication binds to the surface of the ulcer, thereby protecting it from
stomach acid and promoting healing.

TREATMENT

     In order to obtain maximum benefit from this drug, you should swallow it
whole with a full glass of water.  Take it on an empty stomach one hour before
or two hours after a meal and at bedtime.  Do not take antacids within 30
minutes before or one hour after taking sucralfate.
     Continue to take sucralfate for the full length of time prescribed by
your doctor, even if your symptoms disappear.  Your ulcer may not yet be
healed.  However, do not take it for more than eight weeks without your
doctor's authorization.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Back pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
indigestion, nausea, or stomach pain.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, exercise and drink more water (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
itching or rash.  Also, if your condition does not improve or seems to be
getting worse, you should contact your doctor.

INTERACTIONS

     Sucralfate may prevent the absorption of tetracycline, digoxin,
phenytoin, ranitidine, and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) from
the gastrointestinal tract.  At least one hour should separate doses of any of
these medications and sucralfate.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to sucralfate.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had kidney
disease.
     * If sucralfate makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although sucralfate
appears to be safe, extensive studies in pregnant women have not been
conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  It is
not known whether sucralfate passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
