Sucralfate

SUCRALFATE

  • It is a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide and is known as gastric band aid.
  • Sucralfate polymerizes to a viscous gel at a pH less than 4.
  • It combines with proteins and adheres to ulcer forming a barrier resistant to acid and pepsin and binds to bile salts which are implicated in ulcer pathogenesis.
  • It precipitates surface proteins at the ulcer base and acts as a physical barrier preventing acid, pepsin and bile from coming in contact with the ulcer base.
  • It does not decrease gastric acid secretion or neutralize acid or stimulate healing.
  • The drug requires an acidic environment to be more effective.
  • It is as effective as cimetidine or antacids at healing peptic ulcers and is useful in treating gastric reflux.
  • It is a Gastric protective.
  • Use: Sucralfate is used in the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers in dogs , cats and foals.
  • Adverse effect: Constipation may occur with long term therapy.
  • It interacts with many drugs and shown to interfere with absorption of tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, cimitidine,phenytoin and digoxin.
Last modified: Monday, 18 June 2012, 6:43 AM