Sucralfate

Major Uses

Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer drug used in the prevention and treatment of gastric and intestinal ulcers caused by kidney failure, use of steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other conditions in dogs and cats. It may also be used in the treatment of acid reflux disease.

Sucralfate may heal and prevent ulcers by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form a paste-like substance. This paste then binds to ulcers and protects against other stomach acids. The drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in animals, but it is prescribed legally as an extra-label drug for this purpose.

Common Precautions

Sucralfate may cause mild constipation in some animals undergoing treatment with the drug. This side effect is generally temporary and disappears with continued treatment. Increasing water intake may help. Administration of sucralfate within 24 hours of endoscopy can interfere with detection of stomach and upper intestinal ulcers.

Sucralfate is known to interact with certain other drugs and supplements, including cimetidine, tetracycline, phenytoin, azithromycin, ketoconazole, theophylline, doxycycline, erythromycin, thyroxine, and digoxin. Because the drug needs stomach acid in order to work, sucralfate should be given 30 minutes prior to antacid administration.

Sucralfate should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. Any known or suspected overdose should be reported to a veterinarian right away.

Storage

Sucralfate should be stored in its original packaging, out of the reach of children and animals, and at room temperature.

Administration

Sucralfate is available in a 1g/10 ml suspension and in scored tablets of 1 gram. The tablet can be dissolved in water and then administered via syringe. The typical dose of sucralfate given to animals is 1/4 to 1 gram per animal. Small dogs and cats generally receive 1/4 to 1/2 gram every 6 to 8 hours, while medium to larger dogs generally receive 1/2 to 1 gram every 6 to 8 hours. Sucralfate is best given on an empty stomach and is readily dissolved in water.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.

If a dose of sucralfate is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped and the normal schedule resumed. Two doses of this medication should not be given at once.