Also Known as Antepsin Suspension
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Strength | Pack Size | Qty | |
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Strength
1g/5ml 500ml
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Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.
To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.
Terms & Conditions of Program
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Carafate is a medicine used to treat ulcers, especially in the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). It works by coating the ulcer with a protective layer, which shields it from stomach acid and helps it heal. Unlike regular antacids, Carafate doesn’t lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. Instead, it binds to the ulcerated tissue and creates a physical barrier. Carafate is often given as a liquid suspension to help it cover the ulcer more effectively.
Fact Table | |
Formula | Al16H54O24S8(C12H22O11)8 |
License | US FDA |
Bioavailability | <5% (acts locally in GI tract) |
Legal status | Rx-only |
Chemical Name | Basic aluminum sucrose sulfate complex |
Elimination half-life | 6–20 hours (GI transit time) |
Dosage (Strength) | 1 g/10 mL oral suspension |
Pregnancy | Category B – No evidence of risk in humans |
Brands | Carafate, Apo-Sucralfate, Sulcrate |
Protein binding | Negligible |
PubChem CID | 23663840 |
MedlinePlus | a601106 |
ChEBI | 29699 |
ATC code | A02BX02 |
DrugBank | DB00364 |
KEGG | D00749 |
Routes of administration | Oral (suspension, tablet) |
Carafate is a medicine you take by mouth. Before using it, shake the bottle well. For best results, take Carafate when your stomach is empty—at least one hour before eating. Most adults are told to take 1 gram (about one teaspoon) four times a day. Use a special measuring spoon or syringe to make sure you get the right amount. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to take and how long to use it.
Carafate Suspension contains Sucralfate as its active ingredient.
Avoid taking or using this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to Sucralfate or a history of allergic reactions to any inactive ingredients in the formulation.
Before using Carafate, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
Any existing health conditions
Any allergies
A list of all medications you are currently taking
Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Carafate is meant to be taken by mouth only. Serious and even fatal complications, including lung and brain blood clots, have occurred when it was given by injection instead.
Carafate contains aluminum, and small amounts can be absorbed into the body. If you have kidney disease or are on dialysis, your body may have trouble removing this aluminum, which can lead to toxic buildup and serious complications.
Carafate can interfere with how your body absorbs other medications like digoxin, antibiotics, thyroid medicine, and blood thinners. To avoid this, it’s often best to take other medications at least two hours before Carafate. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to time your doses if you're taking multiple prescriptions.
Some people with diabetes have experienced spikes in blood sugar while using Carafate. If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar more often and adjust your medication if needed.
Animal studies have not shown harm to unborn babies, but there haven’t been enough studies in pregnant people to know for sure. If you're pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor before using Carafate to weigh the potential benefits and risks.
Carafate hasn’t been studied enough in children to confirm that it’s safe or effective. It’s not recommended for use in pediatric patients unless specifically directed by a doctor.
Older adults often have reduced kidney or liver function, which can affect how the body handles Carafate. If you're over 65, your doctor may start you on a lower dose and keep an eye on how your body responds.
The most common side effect of Carafate is constipation, reported in about 2% of patients. Less common side effects may include dry mouth, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Other mild effects like rash, headache, or sleepiness have also been noted but are rare. Most side effects are minor and don’t require stopping the medication.
Serious allergic reactions have been reported in rare cases, including swelling of the face or lips, breathing difficulties, and hives. Carafate may also cause rare complications like bezoar formation, especially in people with slow digestion or those receiving tube feedings. Let your doctor know if you experience any troubling symptoms or allergic reactions while taking this medication.
Carafate Product Monograph. Madison, NJ: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2022.
Carafate Drug Label Information. Madison, NJ: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2023.