What is Carafate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Carafate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Carafate, Sucralfate

Generic Names:

  • Sucralfate

Uses:

  • Treats ulcers.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiulcer, Protectant

Forms:

  • Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Carafate used for?

Carafate is a drug used to treat and prevent intestinal ulcers. Carafate works by forming a protective coating over the ulcer to promote healing. This drug is composed of a sucrose sulfate-aluminum. Carafate is a brand version of the drug sucralfate. This medication has been available for years. In the treatment of intestinal ulcers, Carafate use is common.

What form(s) does Carafate come in

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Carafate doses?

  • Bottle 420ML of 1GM/10ML

  • Tablet 1GM

Common Carafate prescriptions

  • Carafate
    30 tablets bottle

  • Carafate
    420ml of 1gm/10ml bottle

  • Carafate
    1gm tablet

How to take Carafate

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.

  • Tablet: Swallow with a glass of water. Take it 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake it well before each use.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake it well before each use.

  • Tablet: Swallow with a glass of water. Take it 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach.

  • Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor tells you to, even if you feel better.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid.

What to do if you miss a dose of Carafate

  • You should not use two doses at one time.

  • Take your medicine as soon as you remember that you missed your dose.

  • If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

Carafate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sucralfate.

Carafate warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or diabetes.

  • This medicine may cause high blood sugar.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Carafate interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how sucralfate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Cimetidine, digoxin, levothyroxine, phenytoin, quinidine, ranitidine, theophyllineMedicine to treat infection (including fluoroquinolones, ketoconazole, tetracycline)

  • Take antacids more than one-half hour before or after taking sucralfate oral liquid.

  • Take cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or ranitidine 2 hours before you take sucralfate oral liquid.

Carafate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood

  • Increased hunger or thirst, change in how much or how often you urinate, unusual weight loss

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Pain in your lower leg (calf)

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Constipation

  • Mild stomach cramps, diarrhea

  • Stomach upset, passing gas

  • Dizziness

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