What Does Carafate Do? | Grant Pharmacy

Carafate for Gastritis: Uses, Benefits, and Dosage Guide

What Is Carafate OTC?

Carafate is a complete anti-ulcer medication suitable for reducing duodenal ulcers. It is also called Sucralfate as this can be effective for healing the active ulcer.

 These would not prevent future ulcers from occurring. The carafate otc is best prescribed for reducing the active duodenal ulcer even within a short time. These are not absorbed greatly in the body through the digestive tract.

The carafate dosage for gastritis works by lining of stomach with a coating on the ulcer areas. This medication would protect the stomach layer from any acids as well as bile salts. You can get more detailed information about the dosage by accessing the Grant Pharmacy.

What Does Carafate Do?

The carafate medicine works by reducing the ulcer in the stomach within a short time. The carafate mechanism of action involves creating a barrier over the ulcer in the stomach. These extensively help it heal along with protecting it from stomach acid.  Carafate is the brand name which is highly prescribed medication from the doctor to reduce duodenal ulcers.

 Many people may also know Carafate as Sucralfate as these are active ingredients used. The medication is also available in the form of a liquid pink suspension. Carafate creates the protein complex at the site of the ulcer in the stomach. These would extensively protect it from gastric acid in the stomach.

Gastric juice is a mixture of hydrochloric acid along pepsin. This Gastric juice protects the gut from any kind of harmful microorganisms. It also helps with breaking down the protein found in the food.

Mixture of hydrochloric acid with the lipase would help helping gut to absorb the minerals as well as vitamins. Gastric juice can also irritate the inflamed gut. The esophagus contains sensitive tissues so these can be damaged due to the backward flow of stomach acid. It can lead to GERD symptoms like intense heartburn.

Taking the carafate otc works against the corrosive effects of stomach acid. These would easily form the gel-like protective coating on the mucosa in the stomach lining. The coating action would be protecting the areas from burning.

Carafate protects these areas by increasing the production of fatty compounds such as the prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins would work by stimulating the production of protective mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract.

How to Take Carafate?

Taking the carafate stomach pain medications exactly as prescribed by your doctor would be a great option. You can extensively follow the directions on the prescription label.

It is best to read the medication guides along with the instruction sheets before taking the medications. It is important to take the Carafate and Protonix medicines on an empty stomach. You can also use the liquid oral suspension by taking measure of exact dose. It is best to use proper dosing syringe provided for the dose-measuring device.

You need to check your blood sugar regularly if you are diabetic. Your doctor can also adjust your dose based on blood sugar levels. Carafate oral suspension will be taken only by mouth.

These can be taken upto 8 weeks before receiving the full benefit of taking Carafate. Use the carafate dosage for gastritis for the full prescribed length of time even when the symptoms improve quickly.

Your doctor can also prescribe the lower dose once your active ulcer has healed. It is best to follow the dosing instructions of the doctor very carefully to avoid any kind of side effects. The liquid form of carafate must not be injected through a needle into the body as this can cause death.

Dosing:

The normal adult dose of carafate for a duodenal ulcer will be 1 g orally which is taken about 4 times a day. Each dose would be taken on an empty stomach. Carafate treatment must continue for 4 weeks for most patients. These treatments may be stopped early when healing is demonstrated on X-ray tests. Antacids can be given but it would be best to use them separated by at least 30 minutes.

Precautions:

You need to follow all the directions on the Carafate medicine label as well as the package. You can extensively tell the doctor about any kind of medical conditions or the allergies you have.

Talk to the healthcare providers about all medicines you use. The liquid form of Carafate must not be injected into the body through a needle. You need to avoid taking other medications within 2 hours of using the Sucralfate.

Carafate can also cause the body to absorb other medicines. You must not use Carafate if you are allergic to Carafate. The carafate mechanism of action works uniquely in protecting the stomach lining.

 Tell your doctor if you have diabetes or kidney disease. To make sure this carafate is safe for you. Patients who are using the other swallowing tablets need to consult the doctor.

Many people are also sensitive to the effects of sucralfate. It is best to inform your doctor when you are pregnant. You must not give Carafate and protonix to a child without medical advice as these can cause severe side effects.

Side Effects:

Carafate medicine may cause some unwanted effects along with its needed effects. Some of the side effects are

🔹Blue lips
🔹Chest pain
🔹Blurred vision
🔹Cough
🔹Difficulty in swallowing
🔹Feeling of fullness
🔹Dry mouth
🔹Flushed
🔹Coughing
🔹Noisy breathing

They do occur they may need medical attention as not all of these side effects may occur

Drug Interactions:

Carafate can reduce the effect of other medications you may be taking. Ensure you have a 2-hour gap before taking Carafate as this would provide better benefits. Some of the medicines you need to avoid while using the carafate are

🔹Raltegravir (Isentress)
🔹Furosemide (Lasix)
🔹Digoxin (Lanoxin)
🔹Quinolones
🔹Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
🔹Bisphosphonates
🔹Alendronate
🔹Thyroid Medications
🔹Warfarin

Conclusion:

Carafate forms a protective layer in the gut lining upon taking. These carafate stomach pain medicines provide a physical barrier between stomach contents and cells. These also have the anti-peptic effects with decreasing pepsin. These automatically increase protective mucus along with the bicarbonate production. It will promote tissue growth along the regeneration in a short time.