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Carafate |
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What is Carafate and why is it prescribed? Carafate Tablets and Suspension are used for the short-term treatment (up to 8 weeks) of an active duodenal ulcer. Carafate Tablets are also used for longer-term therapy at a reduced dosage after a duodenal ulcer has healed. Carafate helps ulcers heal by forming a protective coating over them. Some doctors also prescribe Carafate for ulcers in the mouth and esophagus that develop during cancer therapy, for digestive tract irritation caused by drugs, for long-term treatment of stomach ulcers, and to relieve pain following tonsil removal. A duodenal ulcer is a recurring illness. While Carafate can cure an acute ulcer, it cannot prevent other ulcers from developing or lessen their severity. How should you take Carafate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Carafate. Carafate works best when taken on an empty stomach. If you take an antacid to relieve pain, avoid doing it within one-half hour before or after you take Carafate. Always take Carafate exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Carafate at room temperature. Protect the suspension from freezing. Are there any Carafate side effects? Carafate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Carafate side effects may include constipation. Less common or rare Carafate side effects may include back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, gas, headache, indigestion, insomnia, itching, nausea, possible allergic reactions, including hives and breathing difficulty, rash, sleepiness, stomach upset, vertigo, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Carafate? If Carafate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Carafate with Antacids (such as Mylanta and Maalox), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Drugs for controlling spasms (such as Bentyl), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Levothyroxine (Synthroid), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Quinidine (Quinidex), Quinolone antibiotics (such as Cipro and Floxin), Ranitidine (Zantac), Tetracycline (Sumycin), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Carafate? If you have kidney failure or are on dialysis, the doctor will be cautious about prescribing this drug. Use of Carafate while taking aluminum-containing antacids may increase the possibility of aluminum poisoning in those with kidney failure. |
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