Sucralfate
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Sucralfate during a consultation by Dr Noor in Perth.”
Key Information
Note: This handout is meant to address questions people often ask. It does not include every detail that exists about this medicine. It also does not replace the guidance you receive from your veterinary care team.
Description
This medicine helps protect the digestive tract.
It comes as tablets and as a liquid you give by mouth.
Other common names
- Carafate
Uses of Sucralfate
This medicine is used to help treat and help prevent soreness, irritation, or open sores in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.
This medicine is not specifically approved for animals, but it is approved for people. Your veterinarian may still choose to use it for animals (this is called extra-label use), including in dogs, cats, and other species, for:
- Treating and helping prevent irritation or open sores in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your animal is taking. This medicine can keep other drugs from working as well if they are given at the same time.
- Any health problems your animal has now, or has had before
- Any unwanted reactions your animal has had to medicines in the past
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your animal is pregnant or nursing
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine:
- If your animal has an allergy to it
Use extra care in animals:
- That already have constipation
- That have kidney disease
Some animal sports or competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking any medicine.
Warnings for humans
After you handle any medicine, wash your hands.
How do I give this medication?
Sucralfate is used to treat and help prevent irritation and open sores in the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines.
- Give this medicine when the stomach is empty.
- Do not give other medicines or supplements at the same time as sucralfate. Give other medicines or supplements at least 2 hours before sucralfate.
- It is recommended that you crush the tablet and mix it into a small amount of water right before you give it, to make a liquid mixture (a slurry). This can help the medicine work better. Your veterinarian can show you how to do this.
- If you are using the liquid form, shake it well each time before you measure a dose.
- Use an oral syringe, a medicine cup, or a dosing spoon to measure liquid doses. Do not use kitchen spoons or other household measuring tools.
- Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Always follow the directions on the prescription label.
Side effects
This medicine is usually tolerated well, but constipation and vomiting can happen.
Common side effects — contact your veterinarian if any of these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
How will I know it's working?
This medicine starts to work within 1 to 2 hours.
- If it is being used to help prevent stomach irritation or open sores, you will not be able to directly see what it is doing.
- If it is being used to treat open sores, you should notice your animal’s signs improving as the medicine begins to work.
Contact your veterinary clinic if your animal’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the medicine will no longer work within 12 to 24 hours.
How long do I give it for?
Animals may need this medicine for different lengths of time. Keep giving it for the amount of time your veterinarian instructs. A refill may be needed.
Overdose
If you see or think an overdose may have happened, contact your veterinarian right away.
If you can, have the medicine container or label with you.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not put this medicine into the toilet and do not pour it down a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back locations: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby site, contact your local law enforcement or your local waste management office.
- At-home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, place it in a sealed plastic bag, and put it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”