Sucralfate

Dosage Forms Available

• Sucralfate can be taken orally (tablet or suspension).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Sucralfate is primarily meant for use in adults and children over 1 year old.

Contraindications

• Sucralfate should not be used by patients with known hypersensitivity to any of its components.

• It is also contraindicated in patients with chronic renal failure.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Sucralfate may interact with antibiotics (such as quinolones and tetracyclines), glycosides (like digoxin), azole antifungal (like ketoconazole), thyroid hormone thyroxine (such as levothyroxine), hydantoin anticonvulsant (such as phenytoin) and anticoagulants (such as warfarin).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Sucralfate may lead to symptoms such as dyspepsia, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms after taking more than the prescribed dose, contact your doctor immediately.

• If you miss a dose of Sucralfate, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Increase your intake of water and consume a high-fibre diet.

• Frequently rinse your mouth, chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Sucralfate may cause dizziness in some patients. If you experience this side effect, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are sure of how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy and caution should be exercised when using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with chronic renal failure should use Sucralfate with caution, as aluminium absorption may be increased.

• Elderly patients or those with decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function should be cautious when using this medicine.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regularly drinking water and maintaining a high-fibre diet can help manage ulcers and gastrointestinal conditions.

• Try to reduce stress as much as possible as it can worsen the symptoms of stomach ulcers.