Sucralfate: What It Does and How to Use It

Sucralfate is a medicine that protects the lining of the stomach and upper intestine. It works by forming a sticky barrier over ulcers and irritated areas so acid and enzymes can’t make them worse. Doctors often prescribe it for stomach ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and sometimes to help healing after certain surgeries.

It is different from antacids and acid blockers. Antacids neutralize acid, and proton pump inhibitors lower acid production. Sucralfate doesn’t change acid levels — it creates a physical coating where the tissue is damaged. That makes it useful when you want local protection without affecting how much acid the stomach makes.

How to take sucralfate

Take sucralfate on an empty stomach, usually one hour before meals and at bedtime. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is close; don’t double up. Tablets should be swallowed whole or dissolved in water if your doctor says so. For liquid suspension, shake well and measure the dose with a proper device.

Common adult dosing is 1 gram four times a day for active ulcers, then a lower dose for maintenance — but follow your doctor’s instructions. Treatment length varies; some people heal in weeks, others need months. Keep taking it for the full course even if you feel better, unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Warnings, interactions & side effects

Sucralfate can interfere with other medicines if taken at the same time. Separate doses of other drugs by at least two hours — this is important for antibiotics like tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, certain thyroid medicines, and some anti-seizure drugs. Antacids can be used, but try to space them out by 30 minutes to avoid reducing sucralfate’s effect.

Side effects are usually mild. The most common is constipation. Less common are dry mouth, upset stomach, and gas. Rarely, people with kidney problems can retain aluminum from sucralfate, so doctors may avoid it in severe kidney disease. Tell your provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on multiple medicines.

If you notice severe belly pain, black stools, vomiting blood, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash or swelling, seek medical help right away. Those are not common, but they need fast attention.

Storage is simple: keep tablets or suspension at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Use the suspension within the time the label says after mixing.

If you take other long-term drugs, write a list and show it to the pharmacist. For example, warfarin, digoxin, levothyroxine and some antibiotics need careful timing. Children and older adults may need adjusted doses. Don’t stop or change dose without talking to your prescriber — small changes can affect healing. Track your symptoms.

Have questions about whether sucralfate is right for you? Ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can check your other medications and suggest the best timing and dose. This drug can be a quiet but effective tool for ulcer healing when used the right way.