Sucrafil 1g: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects
Also known as: Sucrafil, Sucrafil 1 g, Sucrafil 1g tablet, Sucralfate 1 g
Sucrafil 1g is a prescription tablet containing 1 g of sucralfate, which coats an ulcer to protect it from stomach acid while it heals. It is used for short-term treatment of duodenal ulcers and, at a lower dose, to help keep them from coming back. It is taken on an empty stomach and must be spaced from many other medicines. Constipation is the most common side effect.
- Active ingredient
- Sucralfate 1 g
- Type of medicine
- Mucosal protectants
- Used for
- Stomach and duodenal ulcers
- Starts working in
- It coats the ulcer soon after it reaches the stomach; healing takes weeks, as your doctor decides
- Effect lasts
- The label describes courses of 4 to 8 weeks; the doctor decides how long you need it
- With or without food
- Take on an empty stomach, as the label says; follow the label or your doctor's advice
- Alcohol
- Alcohol can irritate the stomach and ulcers; ask your doctor
- Pregnancy
- Only if the doctor judges it necessary; tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan a baby or are breastfeeding
- Habit-forming
- No
- Made by
- VERIFY on pack
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
On this page
- What is Sucrafil 1g used for?
- How does Sucrafil 1g work?
- How to take Sucrafil 1g
- Side effects of Sucrafil 1g
- Who should be careful
- Medicines and things that interact with Sucrafil 1g
- If someone takes too much
- Storage
- Regulatory status in India
- Other brands with the same medicine
- Other strengths and forms
- Common questions
What is Sucrafil 1g used for?
Sucrafil 1g is a prescription medicine. It is used, on a doctor's advice, to treat duodenal ulcers and to help keep them from coming back.
- Short-term treatment of an active duodenal ulcer
- Helping keep a healed duodenal ulcer from coming back, at a reduced dose, when a doctor advises
How does Sucrafil 1g work?
In the acid of the stomach, sucralfate turns into a sticky paste that clings to an ulcer. This layer protects the sore spot from acid, pepsin and bile salts, so the lining has a chance to heal. It acts on the surface and very little of it is absorbed.
What happens in your body after you take it
You swallow the tablet
The tablet is swallowed on an empty stomach and reaches the stomach.
It turns sticky in stomach acid
In the acid of the stomach, sucralfate turns into a thick, sticky paste.
It clings to the ulcer
The paste sticks to the raw surface of the ulcer more than to healthy lining.
The ulcer is shielded
This layer protects the ulcer from acid, pepsin and bile salts, so it can heal. Sucralfate does not lower stomach acid.
It passes out of the body
Almost none is absorbed, and most leaves in the stool. That is why constipation is the main side effect.
How to take Sucrafil 1g
Take Sucrafil 1g exactly as your doctor has prescribed or as printed on the pack. Your doctor decides how often to take it and for how long.
- The label says to take it on an empty stomach. Follow the label or your doctor's advice about timing.
- Do not take antacids within 30 minutes before or after it unless your doctor advises.
- Many medicines, including some antibiotics and thyroid tablets, need a gap of about 2 hours from sucralfate. Ask your pharmacist.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
- Swallow the tablet with water. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing tablets.
Side effects of Sucrafil 1g
Sucralfate is generally well tolerated, and side effects are usually mild.
Uncommon or mild
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea or nausea
- Dizziness or headache
- Rash
Rare but serious: get medical help
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheeze or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction). Get medical help immediately
- Choking or difficulty swallowing the tablet
- Vomiting blood, or black stools
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking Sucrafil 1g, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Allergy to sucralfate or any ingredient
- Kidney disease or dialysis: small amounts of aluminium are absorbed and can build up
- Difficulty swallowing, or a history of choking on tablets
- Diabetes: ask your doctor if you have diabetes
- Slow stomach emptying
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use
- Ulcer pain that keeps coming back, black stools or vomiting blood needs a doctor urgently
Medicines and things that interact with Sucrafil 1g
Sucrafil 1g can lower how much of other medicines the body absorbs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, and ask about timing.
- Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and tetracyclines, levothyroxine, digoxin, phenytoin, theophylline and ketoconazole: absorption can fall, so a gap of about 2 hours is usually advised
- Warfarin: blood clotting may need checking
- Antacids: do not take within 30 minutes before or after it unless your doctor advises
If someone takes too much
Very little sucralfate is absorbed, so an overdose is unlikely to be serious, but it can cause indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. If someone has taken a lot more than prescribed, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the medicine pack with you.
Storage
Store below 30 C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture, in the original strip, and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Check the pack for the exact storage instructions.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. Single-ingredient sucralfate was not found on the CDSCO list of medicines banned under section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in this check; the reviewer should confirm. Sucrafil 1g is understood to contain sucralfate only; confirm on the pack.
Other brands with the same medicine
Sucralfate 1 g tablets are sold under other brand names and as generic medicines. They contain the same medicine; check the label for the strength. Sucrafil is also sold as other forms such as gels and suspensions, so do not switch between products without asking your doctor.
Other strengths and forms
Sucralfate is sold as tablets, suspensions and gels, and sometimes with other ingredients. The strength and contents are printed on the pack and are not the same across products, so check the label of the one you have.
Common questions
Is Sucrafil 1g a prescription medicine?
Yes. Sucralfate is sold on prescription in India. It should be taken only if a doctor has prescribed it, and not started, stopped or changed without the doctor's advice.
When should I take Sucrafil 1g?
The label says to take it on an empty stomach. Follow the label or your doctor's advice on timing, and keep a gap from other medicines.
Does Sucrafil 1g lower stomach acid?
No. It coats the ulcer to shield it from acid, pepsin and bile. Medicines such as proton pump inhibitors lower acid. A doctor decides which medicines suit you.
Why must I leave a gap between Sucrafil 1g and other medicines?
It can lower how much of some medicines the body absorbs, including some antibiotics and thyroid tablets. Doctors usually advise about 2 hours. Ask your pharmacist about each medicine you take.
Can I take antacids with Sucrafil 1g?
The label says antacids should not be taken within 30 minutes before or after sucralfate unless the doctor advises. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can people with kidney disease take Sucrafil 1g?
Sucralfate contains aluminium, a small amount of which is absorbed. People with kidney failure or on dialysis can build it up, so they should take it only on their doctor's advice.
What is the difference between Sucrafil 1g and sucralfate 1 g?
Sucrafil is a brand name, and sucralfate is the medicine inside it. Generic sucralfate 1 g tablets contain the same active ingredient. Check the strength and ingredients on the pack, and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Carafate (sucralfate) tablets: prescribing information. DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Stomach ulcer. NHS (UK)