Sucralfate (Carafate®) for Dogs and Cats

Sucralfate is a gastroprotectant used in veterinary medicine to protect the stomach and intestines of dogs and cats. This page explains how it works, who may benefit, and how to obtain sucralfate from Canada with US delivery from Canada and Canadian pricing. It also covers options for those paying without insurance.

What Sucralfate Is and How It Works

Sucralfate, also known by the brand Carafate®, forms a protective complex at sites of mucosal injury. In the presence of gastric acid, it creates a gel-like barrier that adheres to ulcers and erosions. This layer shields tissue from stomach acid, bile salts, and pepsin, supporting a favorable environment for healing. It works locally in the gut and is not an acid reducer. In veterinary practice, it is commonly used to support healing of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

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Orders originate in Canada and ship to the US through pharmacy partners, aligning with cross-border access needs.

Who Sucralfate Is For

Sucralfate is suitable for dogs and cats with suspected or diagnosed gastrointestinal ulceration, erosive gastritis, reflux-related esophagitis, or medication-related irritation, as determined by a veterinarian. It is often combined with acid suppression when reflux or excess acid is a concern.

Use caution in animals with chronic kidney disease, constipation, or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction. Aluminum-containing products can accumulate in severe renal impairment. Animals with a known hypersensitivity to sucralfate should not receive it. When bacterial infection is suspected, veterinarians may also consider antibiotics such as Cephalexin For Dogs where appropriate.

Dosage and Usage

Follow veterinary directions exactly. Sucralfate is commonly administered on an empty stomach, such as 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after. Tablets may be swallowed as given or dispersed in a small amount of water to form a slurry if directed by the veterinarian. Shake the oral suspension well before use. Because sucralfate can bind other medicines in the gut, separate the timing of other oral drugs by at least 2 hours unless advised otherwise. Do not alter the dose or schedule without veterinary guidance.

Strengths and Forms

Availability can vary by supplier and country. Common presentations include:

• Sucralfate tablets 1 g
• Sucralfate 1 g tablet (also described as a 1 gram tablet)
• Sucralfate oral suspension 1 g/10 mL
• Sucralfate liquid formulations for pets who cannot take tablets
• Brand references may include Carafate tablets and Canadian products such as Sulcrate formulations

Specific pack sizes and bottle volumes may differ. Selection depends on veterinary direction and the pet’s ability to take a tablet versus a liquid.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, administer when remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses. Consistent dosing supports healing and comfort.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets and suspension at controlled room temperature per product labeling, typically 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep tablets dry and the bottle tightly closed. Do not freeze the oral suspension. Check the bottle’s expiry date before use. When traveling, keep medicine in the original labeled container and carry a copy of the prescription if instructed. Keep out of reach of children and animals. For cross-border orders, packaging is prepared for safe US shipping from Canada.

Benefits

Sucralfate provides local mucosal protection by coating damaged tissue. This can reduce irritation while underlying causes are addressed. It can be used with acid reducers when reflux or hyperacidity is present. The liquid suspension is useful when tablets are difficult to administer or when esophageal coating is desired. Its local action limits systemic exposure in most animals.

Side Effects and Safety

• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Gas or bloating
• Reduced appetite
• Dry mouth

Serious effects are uncommon but can include severe constipation or, rarely, bezoar formation in predisposed patients. Aluminum accumulation is a concern in severe renal impairment. Hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Contact a veterinarian if persistent vomiting, black or bloody stool, or worsening signs occur.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Sucralfate can bind other oral medicines and reduce their absorption. Separate dosing from certain antibiotics, thyroid hormone, and other narrow-therapeutic-index drugs. Veterinarians often space sucralfate at least 2 hours from medicines such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones. When antibiotics are used, guidance may differ. Learn more about common pet antibiotics in Doxycycline For Dogs and Azithromycin For Pets. Antacids may be given at different times. Provide a complete medication list to the veterinarian before starting therapy.

What to Expect Over Time

Gastrointestinal comfort may improve as the protective coating forms on irritated tissue. Healing time varies by condition, severity, and any concurrent therapy such as acid suppression or diet changes. Veterinary rechecks help determine duration and when to taper or stop therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

For gastric acid reduction, veterinarians may use H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. An H2 blocker option is Famotidine. A common proton pump inhibitor option is Omeprazole. These medicines reduce acid, which can complement or sometimes substitute for a coating agent, depending on the diagnosis. Antiemetics may also be selected for vomiting as needed. The choice depends on the pet’s condition and veterinary assessment.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pricing can help reduce the out-of-pocket sucralfate cost for eligible US pet owners. This page lists current sucralfate price and available options, including sucralfate tablets and sucralfate suspension. Orders are placed online from Canada, and sucralfate ships to US addresses with US shipping from Canada. Start an order, upload a valid prescription, and track updates in the account portal. Encrypted checkout protects sensitive information. To view additional offers, see Promotions. To compare other pet therapies on the site, browse Pet Medications. Sucralfate Canadian pricing can vary by strength and form. Cash price may differ from insurance-based costs in local pharmacies.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock and pack sizes can change. If a preferred form, such as sucralfate liquid, is unavailable, a veterinarian may recommend another formulation or an alternative acid-reducing therapy based on clinical needs. Substitutions are guided by the prescriber. No restock dates are guaranteed.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Good candidates include dogs and cats with erosive esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcers who can take an oral medicine as directed. Use caution with severe kidney disease or frequent constipation. Discuss all medicines and supplements to avoid binding interactions. To manage costs, consider multi-month quantities when appropriate, choose the most practical form for dosing (sucralfate 1 g tablet versus sucralfate liquid), and use reminders for timely refills. Ordering sucralfate from Canada can help some pet owners access Canadian pricing with delivery to the US.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What is the most appropriate form for this pet: tablet or oral suspension?
• How should other medicines be timed around sucralfate to avoid binding interactions?
• Should acid suppression be added, and if so, which option?
• What signs indicate the condition is improving or needs recheck sooner?
• How long should therapy continue before reassessment?
• Are diet changes recommended to support healing?
• What is the plan if vomiting prevents oral dosing?

Authoritative Sources

• FDA DailyMed
• FDALabel Search
• Health Canada DPD

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