Sucralfate

Sucralfate is a gastric protective drug. It is actually a drug that is used to treat and prevent ulcers. In fact, Sucralfate is a very popular drug used for this particular condition. So, what is exactly is the mechanism of action of Sucralfate? Sucralfate actually creates a layer over the ulcer inside your stomach, to act as a covering for it. The layer then protects the ulcer from acid, enzymes, and bile salts inside your stomach.

Sucralfate dosing depends from case to case. You have to follow your physician’s instructions when it comes to Sucralfate dosing for your treatment. But in general, Sucralfate should be taken orally on an empty stomach. This should be done at least an hour before eating. But if you have eaten already, then you should take Sucralfate two hours after your meal. Also, antacids should not be mixed with Sucralfate. Thus, you should not take antacids within half an hour before or after you take Sucralfate. You have to keep this in mind because antacids and Sucralfate can have adverse effects when combined.

Usually, it takes a month or two for your ulcer to become completely healed. During the course of your treatment, you may feel that your symptoms have already been relieved. This is an expected result. However, when you do feel this, you’re not supposed to stop taking Sucralfate just yet. You have to continue taking it for the whole period it has been prescribed for you. Also, Sucralfate should not be taken with other medicines you might be taking at the same time. Generally, there should be a two-hour period gap between Sucralfate and other medicines. This is just in the general sense. To be sure, it’s better to ask your physician about this grace period between and after dosages.

If, by chance, you miss a dose of Sucralfate, take the missed dose when you remember it. But if it’s almost time for the next dose, then just skip that dose. It would be better to do this. Just go back to your original schedule. What’s important here is that two doses of Sucralfate should not be taken at the same time.

And if you think only people are fit to take Sucralfate, think again. This is because dogs can take them as well. Dogs, along with other domesticated animals, also get ulcers of their own. With Sucralfate dogs can be relieved of the pain they feel when they get stomach ulcers. Sucralfate is a prescription drug when it comes to treating dogs. This means that you cannot buy Sucralfate for your pet without a prescription from a licensed veterinarian.

And in both man and beast, Sucralfate also has its share of side effects. The drug can cause mild dizziness. Even your dog would feel a bit woozy when taking Sucralfate. If you’re the one taking the drug, make sure you don’t take it when you’re driving, or when you’re doing something that’s potentially harmful. If it is your pet taking the drug, make sure he or she gets to lie down after taking the drug. This is because the drug can very well make your dog feel very dizzy. If you and your pet are taking Sucralfate, then you better make sure that the both of you are at rest.

Constipation is also one of the common side effects of Sucralfate. And this is especially true for dogs. Should constipation occur for your pet, there really is no need to worry. This is because this is usually just a temporary condition, and a mild one at that. But when the condition becomes severe, then you should consult your veterinarian already.

If you have questions and concerns regarding Sucralfate, go ahead and discuss these with your physician or your veterinarian. They will be glad to assist you in any way that they can.