Sucrafil (Sucralfate)
Also sold as: Sucrafil, Sucramal, Sucral, Carafate, Sucrate
Pregnancy
Cat B
Lactation
Safe
Schedule
OTC
Forms
Tablet 1g +2
Indications
- Duodenal ulcer — healing and maintenance
- Gastric ulcer (adjunct)
- Stress ulcer prophylaxis (ICU patients)
- GERD (adjunct cytoprotection)
- Radiation-induced esophagitis/proctitis
- Oral mucositis from chemotherapy (topical suspension)
Adult Dosing
Duodenal ulcer (active)
1g PO QID (4 times daily) on empty stomach
4-8 weeks
Take 1 hour before meals and at bedtime
Maintenance therapy
1g PO BD
Long-term
Stress ulcer prophylaxis (ICU)
1g via NG tube every 4-6 hours
Pediatric Dosing
Suspension preferred in young children. Oral mucositis: swish and spit or swallow.
Renal Dose Adjustment
| CrCl / eGFR | Dose Adjustment |
|---|---|
| CrCl > 30 mL/min | No adjustment |
| CrCl < 30 mL/min / HD | Avoid or use with extreme caution — aluminium accumulation risk (neurotoxicity, osteomalacia) |
Hepatic Adjustment
No adjustment needed
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Category B
Considered safe; minimal systemic absorption. Used for GERD in pregnancy.
Lactation: Safe
Minimal systemic absorption; considered safe during breastfeeding.
Top Drug Interactions
| Interacting Drug | Effect | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) | Significantly reduces antibiotic absorption — separate by 2 hours before sucralfate | Major |
| Tetracyclines / Doxycycline | Reduced absorption — separate by 2 hours | Major |
| Phenytoin / Digoxin / Warfarin / Levothyroxine | Reduced absorption — separate by 2 hours before sucralfate | Moderate |
| Antacids | Antacids alter sucralfate activation (needs acid pH) — separate by 30 min | Moderate |
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Side Effects
Common
- Constipation (most common — 2-3%)
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Flatulence
Serious / Discontinue If
- Aluminium toxicity in severe renal impairment (neurotoxicity, osteodystrophy with prolonged use)
- Bezoar formation (rare, in NG tube patients)
Contraindications
- Severe chronic renal failure (aluminium accumulation)
- Dysphagia (tablet form — use suspension)
Available Indian Brands
| Brand | Manufacturer | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Sucrafil 1g | Elder Pharma | 20 tab ₹65 |
| Sucramal 1g | Mankind | 20 tab ₹55 |
| Sucral suspension | Intas | 200mL ₹85 |
| Sucrate 1g | Sun Pharma | 20 tab ₹58 |
Monitoring Required
- Serum aluminium (prolonged use in renal impairment)
- Constipation — bowel habits
Patient Counseling Points
- Take on EMPTY STOMACH — 1 hour before meals and at bedtime
- Do NOT take antacids within 30 minutes of sucralfate
- Separate all other medications by at least 2 hours — sucralfate binds many drugs
- Drink plenty of water to prevent constipation
- Suspension: shake well before each use
Stop Googling drug references mid-consultation
EasyClinic auto-flags Sucrafil interactions, renal cutoffs, and pregnancy warnings the moment you write the prescription. Built-in safety net for every Indian doctor.
Clinically reviewed by: Dr. Rajesh Nair, DM (Gastroenterology), Senior Consultant
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01
References
- BNF — Sucralfate
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists — Stress Ulcer Guidelines
- IAP GI Guidelines