Sucralfate

Indications
Sucralfate tablet is indicated in the treatment of acute, nonmalignant gastric and duodenal ulcers. Maintenance therapy to prevent the recurrence of duodenal ulcers.
Sucralfate suspension is indicated in the short-term (up to 8 weeks) treatment of active duodenal ulcer.

Therapeutic Class
Chelating complex

Pharmacology
Sucralfate protects GI lining against peptic acid, pepsin and bile salts by binding with positively-charged proteins in exudates forming a viscous paste-like adhesive substance thus forming a protective coating.

Dosage & Administration
Adult: Usual dose 1 gm 4 times daily to be taken 1 hour before meals and at bed time. Maximum daily dose is 8 gm. Four to six weeks treatment is usually needed for ulcer healing but upto twelve weeks may be necessary in resistant cases. Antacids may be used as required for relief of pain, but should not be taken half an hour before or after Gastalfet.
Elderly: There are no special dosage requirements for elderly patients but as with all medicines the lowest effective dose should be used.
children: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established

Interaction
Concomitant use of sucralfate may reduce the bioavailability of certain drugs as has been observed in animal studies with tetracycline, phenytoin and cimetidine and in human studies with digoxin. Administration of sucralfate with any of these drugs should be separated by two hours. Since sucralfate may hinder warfarin absorption, caution should be exercised when these two drugs are used together.

Contraindications
There are no known contraindications

Side Effects
The incidence and severity of side effects from sucralfate are very low. Mild side effect like constipation has been reported in some patients.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Although animal studies show no evidence of foetal malformation, safety in pregnant women has not been established and Sucralfate should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Caution should be exercised when sucralfate is administered to nursing mothers.

Precautions & Warnings
The product should only be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction

Overdose Effects
There is no experience in human with overdosage

Storage Conditions
Store at 20-25° C.