Sucralfate

Sucralfate is a gastrointestinal mucosal protectant medicine available in Bangladesh under many brand names. Below are its uses, dosage, side effects and precautions — and all brands with their current prices.

• Treatment of active duodenal ulcer.
• Maintenance therapy to reduce recurrence of duodenal ulcer after healing, when prescribed.

Adult dosing depends on the condition being treated and the formulation used. Sucralfate is usually taken on an empty stomach, often before meals and at bedtime for active ulcer treatment, while lower-frequency dosing may be used for maintenance. Follow the exact dose, timing, and duration prescribed by the doctor; do not stop early without medical advice.

• Common: constipation, nausea, indigestion, stomach discomfort, dry mouth, dizziness, headache.
• Less common: diarrhoea, vomiting, rash, itching.
• Serious but rare: allergic reaction such as swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe rash; bezoar formation, especially in patients with delayed stomach emptying, tube feeding, or critical illness; aluminium accumulation or toxicity in severe kidney impairment.

Use with caution in people with kidney disease, especially severe or chronic renal impairment, because sucralfate contains aluminium and accumulation may occur. Patients with difficulty swallowing, delayed gastric emptying, feeding tubes, or serious illness should use it only with medical supervision. Take other medicines at a separated time as advised because sucralfate can reduce their absorption. Use under a registered doctor's or pharmacist's guidance.

• May reduce absorption of fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, tetracyclines, digoxin, phenytoin, levothyroxine, ketoconazole, penicillamine, quinidine, and some other medicines.
• Other oral medicines are commonly advised to be taken at least 2 hours apart from sucralfate; some medicines may need a longer separation as directed by a healthcare professional.
• Antacids may be used only if advised, and should generally not be taken within about 30 minutes of sucralfate.
• Food can reduce its local effectiveness; it is usually taken on an empty stomach unless the prescriber gives different instructions.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to sucralfate or any component of the formulation.

Sucralfate is minimally absorbed from the gut, so systemic exposure is low. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, it should still be used only when needed and on the advice of a doctor, who can weigh benefits and risks for the mother and baby.

Store at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the container tightly closed and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date; for suspension, shake well before use if instructed on the label.