Sucralfate is a prescription medication used in dogs, cats, and horses to treat ulcers. Although Sucralfate is not FDA-approved for use in veterinary medicine, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for dogs, cats, and horses. Sucralfate requires a prescription from your veterinarian, and is sold per tablet.
For: Dogs, Cats, and Horses
Benefits:
•
Coats and protects ulcers against further damage from acids and enzymes
•
May help prevent ulcers from formin, which can happen when a pet is given aspirin or NSAIDs
How it works:
Sucralfate works to prevent and treat ulcers that form in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and intestines.
Sucralfate works with the acids in the stomach to form a paste over the ulcers and prevent further damage.
Cautions:
Use Sucralfate with caution in pregnant or nursing animals.
More Information:
Brand Name Carafate
Generic Name sucralfate
What is the most important information I should know about sucralfate: Sucralfate is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in dogs, cats, and horses. Sucralfate is available as 1 Gm tablets. The usual dose for dogs is 1/2 to 1 tablet by mouth 3 times a day. For cats, the usual dose is 1/4 to 1/2 tablet by mouth every 8 to 12 hours. For horses, the usual dose is 4.5mg to 9 mg per pound 4 times a day.
What is Sucralfate: Sucralfate is used to treat ulcer by coating the ulcer protecting it from further damage. It is used to treat ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine r to prevent ulcers in those animals being givens aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Sucralfate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving sucralfate to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is constipated or has megacolon. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Sucralfate should be given on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after, a meal. Unless directed otherwise, crush the tablet for better absorption. Store sucralfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Signs of overdose are rare but may include constipation. If overdose is suspected, contact your veterinarian.
What should I avoid while giving Sucralfate to my pet: Sucralfate should not be used in animals allergic to it. Use sucralfate with caution in pregnant, or nursing females.
What are the possible side effects of Sucralfate: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving sucralfate and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Sucralfate may cause constipation. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Sucralfate: Sucralfate may affect the absorption of many other medications. Do not give any medications within 2 hours of giving Sucralfate. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with sucralfate. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins, and supplements.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Sucralfate written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
Sucralfate should be given on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food.
Tip: Crush the tablet for better absorption.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Amount
Dogs/Puppies:
All weights
1/2 to 1 tablet by mouth 3 times a day.
Cats/Kittens:
1/4 to 1/2 tablet by mouth every 8 to 12 hours.
Horses:
4.5 mg to 9 mg per pound every 6 to 8 hours.
Storage: Should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and light.
Sucralfate:
Active Ingredients
Amount
Sucralfate
1 gram
Sucralfate
5
5
1
1
What a difference
My Dalmation, Jessie, is having a hard time since I've had to put her on prevacox. We started her on this product and with just two treatments, there's a big difference. She's actually asking me for food again. My vet had me desolve the tablet in a syringe with water and then dispense in her mouth. Much easier than trying to get yet another pill down her tummy. And since it's already disolved, it's working immediately. Love, love, love this!
09/09/2011
The 1 gm Sucralfate that I got from my vet's office is white and it is labeled N S1 on the pill. What is the difference between that pill and the one that is blue and labeled Watson 780? Just a different manufacturer?
Sucralfate forms a barrier in the stomach which protects the stomach lining from the effects of stomach acid. Sucralfate will also prevent medications that dissolve in the stomach from being absorbed into the bloodstream. I would recommend that famotidine be given 2 hours before or 2 hours after the dose of sucralfate is given.
The prescription we have says to mix in a slurry. We have been doing this and giving it to our dog twice a day for 2 weeks. It is getting harder and harder to get her to take it. Can we crush the pill and put it in a pill pocket?
Use low-salt, fat-free chicken broth as the liquid for the slurry and your dog will lap it right up. I grind the pills into a powder and blend it with the chicken broth to make enough for a week at a time and keep it in the fridge.
Sucralfate is a unique medication and there is no substitute for it. Sucralfate works but coating the lining of the stomach in order to promote ulcer healing or to prevent ulcers from forming. There are antacids such as ranitidine and famotidine that reduce stomach acid production and may help, but they are not the same as sucralfate.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.