Side effects from carafate
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Side Effects of Carafate (Sucralfate)
Introduction to Carafate (Sucralfate)
Carafate, also known by its generic name sucralfate, is a medication primarily used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It works by forming a protective barrier on the ulcer site, neutralizing local acidity, and inhibiting the action of pepsin and bile salts1 2.
Common Side Effects of Carafate
Constipation
One of the most frequently reported side effects of Carafate is constipation. This occurs in approximately 3-4% of patients taking the medication1 2. The reason for this side effect is not entirely clear, but it is likely related to the drug's limited absorption and its action within the gastrointestinal tract.
Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
Another side effect that some patients experience is xerostomia, or dry mouth. This side effect is less common, affecting about 1% of users1 2. Xerostomia can be uncomfortable and may lead to difficulties in speaking, eating, and swallowing.
Skin Eruptions
Skin eruptions, such as rashes, are also reported but are relatively rare, occurring in about 0.6% of patients1 2. These skin reactions are generally mild and do not usually require discontinuation of the medication.
Absorption and Excretion
Carafate is minimally absorbed into the bloodstream, with only about 3-5% of the orally administered dose being absorbed. The majority of the drug, over 90%, is excreted unchanged in the feces1 2. This limited absorption is likely why the drug has relatively few systemic side effects.
Conclusion
Carafate is a unique and effective treatment for peptic ulcer disease with a favorable safety profile. The most common side effects include constipation, xerostomia, and skin eruptions, but these are generally mild and infrequent. The drug's limited absorption into the bloodstream contributes to its low incidence of adverse reactions, making it a safe option for many patients1 2.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Sucralfate--alternative therapy for peptic-ulcer disease.
Sucralfate is a safe and effective alternative to cimetidine and antacid therapy for treating peptic ulcers, with few side effects and no drug-drug interactions.
Literature ReviewSucralfate--alternative therapy for peptic-ulcer disease.
Sucralfate is a safe and effective alternative to cimetidine and antacid therapy for treating peptic ulcers, with few side effects.
Literature ReviewDoes sucralfate reduce the acute side-effects in head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy? A double-blind randomized trial.
Oral sucralfate does not reduce acute radiation-induced side-effects in head and neck cancer patients treated by radiotherapy, and its prophylactic use is not recommended.
RCT
Highly CitedThe influence of sucralfate on ibuprofen absorption in healthy adult males.
Sucralfate does not alter the extent of ibuprofen absorption and does not change the response to that anti-inflammatory agent in healthy adult males.
Non-RCTRadiation-Induced Mucositis: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Micronized Sucralfate Versus Salt & Soda Mouthwashes
Micronized sucralfate mouthwash and salt & soda mouthwash showed no significant differences in reducing radiation-induced mucositis severity or pain in head and neck cancer patients.
RCTHighly CitedpH‐neutralizing esophageal irrigations as a novel mitigation strategy for button battery injury
pH-neutralizing esophageal irrigations, such as weakly acidic household beverages, viscous liquids, and Carafate®, can effectively protect infants and children from button battery injury.
Non-RCTHighly CitedTreatment of Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in Pregnancy
Sucralfate may be safe in pregnancy, but its lack of adverse effects cannot be solely based on poor absorption.
In Response to pH‐Neutralizing Esophageal Irrigations as a Novel Mitigation Strategy
Honey and sucralfate (Carafate) are equally effective in treating button battery ingestions in children, with sucralfate showing a greater inflammation potential.
Efficacy of sucralfate and cimetidine in protection of the human gastric mucosa against alcohol injury.
Sucralfate effectively protects the human gastric mucosa against alcohol-induced damage without affecting gastric acid secretion, while cimetidine does not.
RCT