Category: Gastrointestinal

Drug Uses

Carafate is used for the short term as well as long term treatment of duodenal ulcers. It may also be prescribed for curing ulcers in the mouth.

Usage

Carafate must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Antacids must usually be avoided for about an hour before and after taking Carafate.

Missed Dose

You should try and take your doses on time taking care not to miss any. But if you do miss a dose, you may take it as soon as you remember and then space out the remaining doses. However, you may also skip it and continue with your regular dose. But do not take a double dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature and if you are using the suspension, then protect it from freezing.

Overdose

While there is no serious risk of an overdose with Carafate, you must seek medical attention immediately if you suspect an overdose. Some of the typical symptoms of an overdose include Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting.

More Information

If you have kidney failure or are on dialysis then you must inform the doctor before taking the drug. The drug may cause light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness in some people. Do not consume alcohol along with the drug. Do not drive or handle heavy machinery until you know how to react to the drug.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Carafate if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Carafate.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important :
Carafate may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Take Carafate with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
Carafate has aluminum in it. Before you start any new medicine, check the label to see if it has aluminum in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Carafate should be used with extreme caution in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Carafate while you are pregnant. It is not known if Carafate is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you take Carafate, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

constipation; dizziness; feeling of a whirling motion.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).
More Information

Carafate is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.