Carafate® Tablets for Duodenal Ulcers

Sucralfate is a prescription ulcer protectant for the stomach and duodenum. This page outlines uses, forms, and key safety points, with US shipping from Canada and options for Sucralfate without insurance.

What Carafate Is and How It Works

Carafate® contains sucralfate, a locally acting medicine for active duodenal ulcers. In an acidic environment, it forms a viscous, adhesive complex that binds to ulcer sites. The coating shields the lesion from acid, pepsin, and bile salts, supporting the natural healing process. Systemic absorption is minimal.

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The treatment adheres to damaged mucosa for several hours, which helps maintain a protective barrier between the ulcer and gastric contents. Sucralfate suspension provides the same active ingredient in a liquid form for those who cannot swallow tablets. In Canada, options such as Sulcrate Suspension Plus are commonly used sucralfate formulations.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated for the short-term treatment of active duodenal ulcers and for maintenance therapy as directed on the official label. It is not intended for rapid symptom relief. Evidence for use in other gastrointestinal conditions varies; follow the approved indications unless a prescriber advises otherwise.

People with known hypersensitivity to sucralfate or any component should avoid it. Because the product contains aluminum, caution is advised in chronic kidney disease or dialysis, where aluminum can accumulate. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should follow a clinician’s judgment based on the label and individual risk–benefit considerations.

Dosage and Usage

Standard regimens on the label include 1 g taken four times daily for active duodenal ulcers, with maintenance therapy as directed by a prescriber. Dosing schedules can vary by patient and indication; always follow the labeled instructions provided with the prescription.

Take each dose on an empty stomach, typically one hour before meals and at bedtime. Antacids, if needed, are commonly taken at least 30 minutes after sucralfate. Separate other oral medicines by time, because binding in the gut can reduce absorption.

Sucralfate tablets are usually swallowed whole with water unless a clinician provides different instructions. The oral liquid should be shaken well. People who have difficulty swallowing may prefer the liquid form. For nausea from unrelated conditions, some prescribers use agents such as Metoclopramide; this is not a substitute for ulcer therapy.

Strengths and Forms

The treatment is available as solid and liquid oral options. Availability can vary by supplier and country.

• Sucralfate 1 g tablet
• Oral suspension for patients who need a liquid form

Specific packaging, bottle sizes, and manufacturers may differ. Check the label on the dispensed product for exact details.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. Skip the missed dose if timing is tight, and resume the regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Consistent timing relative to meals helps maintain the protective coating at the ulcer site. If antacids are used, keep them separated from the ulcer medicine as noted on the label.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets in a tightly closed container, away from moisture. Protect the liquid from freezing and keep the cap firmly closed. Follow the storage notes on the pharmacy label. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry the medicine in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Pack enough for the full trip and a small reserve. Keep doses in a carry-on bag to avoid extreme temperatures. If carrying Carafate oral suspension, keep the bottle upright and secured. If travel plans include time-zone changes, a prescriber or pharmacist can help set a practical administration schedule.

Benefits

This medicine acts directly at the ulcer surface, creating a physical barrier that limits contact with acid and digestive enzymes. Because systemic absorption is low, the risk of systemic effects may be lower than with therapies that work throughout the body. The option of either tablet or liquid can make administration more manageable for different patient needs. It can be used alone or alongside acid-suppressing drugs when directed by a clinician.

Side Effects and Safety

• Constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion or stomach discomfort
• Dry mouth
• Gas
• Dizziness or headache

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include hypersensitivity, difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe skin reactions. Aluminum accumulation can occur, particularly in severe renal impairment or dialysis. Formation of bezoars has been reported rarely, especially in patients with altered gastric motility or feeding tubes. Seek emergency care for signs of severe allergic reactions. Review the official labeling for the complete safety profile.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Binding interactions in the gut can reduce absorption of many oral medicines. Examples include fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, levothyroxine, digoxin, and phenytoin. Separate administration times according to the label and prescriber guidance. If antacids are required, they are typically taken at least 30 minutes after the ulcer protectant.

Enteral nutrition products can also interact physically, and timing adjustments may be needed in tube-fed patients. Some antivirals, such as Acyclovir, may require spacing because of reduced absorption. Review all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements with a clinician or pharmacist to avoid unintended interactions.

What to Expect Over Time

Ulcer discomfort may ease as the protective barrier persists with regular dosing and meal-time spacing. Healing requires adherence to the schedule and ongoing evaluation of contributing factors, such as NSAID use or high acid exposure. Clinicians may pair this therapy with acid suppression, dietary changes, or other measures as appropriate. Continue therapy as directed and attend follow-up to assess progress and tolerance.

Compare With Alternatives

Proton pump inhibitors reduce acid secretion at the source and are widely used for ulcer disease and reflux. See Omeprazole for a typical PPI option. H2 blockers reduce acid more modestly and may suit selected patients or step-down approaches; see Famotidine. A sucralfate-based suspension may be preferred when a non-systemic coating action is desired or when tablets are not practical.

Pricing and Access

Check current Sucralfate price and compare formulations to find a good fit. Canadian pricing can offer meaningful value on a cash-pay basis for many patients. This product Ships from Canada to US with straightforward ordering steps. For those without insurance, comparing tablets and liquid can help manage out-of-pocket costs.

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Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary. Generic sucralfate is commonly supplied by multiple manufacturers. If a preferred form is temporarily unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an equivalent strength from another supplier or a liquid presentation when appropriate. For patients who need an H2 option, consider the OTC formulation Pepcid AC Easy Swallow as directed by a clinician.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with active duodenal ulcers who can follow a meal-related dosing schedule and who do not have significant aluminum retention risks. Caution is warranted in severe renal impairment. Those needing a non-systemic option may find this medicine appropriate under clinician guidance.

• Multi-month supply: fewer refills and steadier access
• Tablets vs liquid: choose the form that fits use patterns
• Refill reminders: maintain adherence over time
• Coordinate refills: align multiple therapies in one shipment
• Review interactions: reduce waste from timing conflicts

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• What goals should this therapy meet for the current ulcer?
• How should other medicines be timed around this coating agent?
• Which acid-suppressing therapy, if any, should be used alongside it?
• What signs suggest the regimen is not tolerated or needs review?
• Is the tablet or liquid form better for this situation and schedule?
• How long should maintenance therapy continue after healing?
• What dietary or NSAID changes may support ulcer recovery?

Authoritative Sources

• DailyMed: Sucralfate Official Labeling
• DailyMed: Carafate Official Listings
• Health Canada DPD: Sucralfate

Ready to order from CanadianInsulin? Place your request with US delivery from Canada and prompt, express shipping. Information here is educational and does not replace the approved label or advice from a licensed healthcare professional.