Sucralfate is used to treat and prevent duodenal ulcers and other conditions as determined by your doctor. It works by forming a barrier or coat over the ulcer. This protects the ulcer from the acid of the stomach, allowing it to heal. Sucralfate contains an aluminum salt.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

Take this medicine for the full time of treatment, even if you begin to feel better. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure each dose with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If you are also using an antacid, take it more than one half-hour before or after taking sucralfate oral liquid.

If you are taking cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, digoxin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, or ranitidine, take them 2 hours before you take sucralfate oral liquid.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Blue lips and fingernails

blurred vision

chest pain

cough

coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum

difficult, fast, noisy breathing

difficulty in swallowing

dry mouth

feeling of fullness

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

hoarseness

increased hunger

increased sweating

increased thirst

increased urination

loss of appetite

nausea

pale skin

slow or irregular breathing

stomach pain

sweating

swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat

swelling of the legs and ankles

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

unexplained weight loss

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Constipation

Rare

Back ache

bloated

constipation

diarrhea

dizziness or lightheadedness

excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

indigestion

passing gas

sensation of spinning

sleepiness

stomach cramps

trouble sleeping

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor right away if you have increased thirst or increased urination. If you notice a change in the results of your urine or blood sugar tests, or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.