Master Sucralfate (Carafate) with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

This medication works by creating a barrier in the stomach that protects existing ulcers from stomach acid and pepsin, allowing the ulcer(s) to heal. The sticky, viscid barrier created by the medication adheres to the ulcer crater for up to 6 hours. The medication does NOT provide any acid neutralizing response or decrease acid secretion.

This medication is used for patients with GI ulcers, particularly duodenal ulcers. The protective barrier that is created in the stomach protects existing ulcers from further exposure to acid and other substances, such as pepsin allowing the ulcer(s) to heal.

Though sucralfate has very few side effects; constipation may occur.

In order to form a protective barrier in the stomach, this medication must be in an acidic environment. For this reason, sucralfate should not be taken with antacids or other medications that alter the pH of the stomach.

The medication works by forming a protective barrier in the stomach and should be given on an empty stomach to be effective.

The pill form of this medication is large and may be difficult to swallow, especially for elderly patients. Patients who may have difficulty swallowing this medication as a pill can be given an oral suspension preparation instead.

Sucralfate should be given two hours before or after other medications, as it may decrease absorption of other medications, especially phenytoin, digoxin, warfarin, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics.