Comprehensive Product Description Guide: Carafate (Sucralfate)

What is Carafate used for
Carafate (Sucralfate) is a prescription medication used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer site. It is also used in the management of gastrointestinal mucosal damage from medications, stress, or reflux disease.
Carafate Oral Suspension / Tablets (Sucralfate)
Carafate 1g Tablets

Carafate 1g/10mL Oral Suspension
Sucralfate (aluminium hydroxide complex of sucrose sulfate)
Sucralfate

Ulcer healing agent

Sucralfate oral suspension

GI mucosal protectant

Carafate liquid (for oral suspension)
Therapeutic Class: Gastrointestinal Agent

Drug Class: Antiulcer agent

Category: Non-systemic cytoprotective agent

Schedule: Prescription-only (S4 – Australia)
Carafate acts locally in the gastrointestinal tract, not systemically absorbed. Upon contact with gastric acid, it forms a viscous, paste-like substance that adheres to ulcerated tissue, forming a protective barrier for up to 6 hours. This protects the ulcer from acid, pepsin, and bile salts, allowing healing to occur. It also binds to proteins in the ulcer site, enhancing mucosal repair.
Carafate is indicated for:

Treatment of active duodenal ulcers

Maintenance therapy after ulcer healing

Treatment of gastric ulcers (off-label)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with erosions

Prevention of stress ulcers in critically ill patients (ICU use)

Radiation-induced esophagitis and mucositis (off-label)

Stomal ulceration or drug-induced GI injury (e.g., NSAIDs)
For Duodenal Ulcers (Adults):

1g tablet or 10 mL suspension 4 times daily (before meals and at bedtime)
OR

2g twice daily (before breakfast and at bedtime)

Maintenance (After Healing):

1g twice daily on an empty stomach

Take on empty stomach (at least 1 hour before meals)

Avoid taking with antacids within 30 minutes

Duration of therapy typically 4 to 8 weeks
Off-label; dosage should be adjusted by weight under specialist supervision

Prescribing Information:
Not systemically absorbed; action is local to the GI tract

Requires frequent dosing due to short duration of action (approx. 6 hours)

Safe in renal impairment, but aluminium absorption may increase
Generally well-tolerated due to minimal systemic absorption

Suitable for use in pregnancy (Category B) and lactation, with caution

Can be used in patients with NSAID-induced ulcers under medical guidance

Avoid long-term unsupervised use due to potential aluminium accumulation in renal impairment
Constipation

Dry mouth

Flatulence

Nausea

Indigestion

Rare but Serious Side Effects:

Bezoar formation (especially in tube-fed patients)

Aluminium toxicity (in severe renal failure)

Hypophosphatemia (long-term use)
Use caution in patients with chronic kidney disease due to aluminium accumulation

Not to be co-administered with enteral tube feeds (may cause bezoars or blockage)

May interfere with absorption of other drugs — spacing doses is essential

Monitor for constipation in long-term therapy

Not a substitute for acid-reducing therapy (e.g., PPIs) in all cases
Carafate may reduce the absorption of:

Tetracyclines

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin)

Digoxin

Warfarin

Phenytoin

Levothyroxine
Give interacting drugs 2 hours before or after Carafate
Store below 25°C

Protect from moisture

Shake oral suspension well before use

Use opened suspension within 4 weeks
Friedman et al. (1986): Sucralfate found effective in promoting faster ulcer healing than placebo in patients with duodenal ulcers

Graham et al. (1990): Comparable efficacy to H2-blockers in duodenal ulcer healing, with fewer systemic effects

Sucralfate shows protective effects in radiation-induced mucositis and GERD-related erosive damage (supportive clinical data)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What is Carafate used to treat?
A: Carafate is used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers and protect the gastrointestinal lining from damage caused by acid, medications, or reflux.

Q: How does Carafate work?
A: It forms a protective coating over ulcers or irritated tissue, shielding it from acid and allowing it to heal naturally.

Q: Can Carafate be taken with other medications?
A: Some medications may interact with Carafate. Space them by at least 2 hours and consult your pharmacist.

Q: Is Carafate safe in pregnancy?
A: Yes, Carafate is generally considered safe in pregnancy (Category B) but should only be used under medical advice.

Q: Does Carafate reduce stomach acid?
A: No. Carafate is not an antacid; it does not reduce acid but protects the lining of the GI tract.

Q: Can Carafate be used long-term?
A: Yes, but under medical supervision. Long-term use may cause aluminium buildup, especially in renal impairment.
Buy Carafate tablets online Australia

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Carafate oral liquid for GERD

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Carafate pregnancy-safe GI medication

Product Tags:
Sucralfate tablets

GI mucosal protectant

Anti-ulcer medication

Carafate for duodenal ulcers

Reflux esophagitis treatment

Aluminium-based ulcer protector

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Stress ulcer prevention

GERD erosion protection

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