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Sucralfate for Dogs, Cats & Pets: Esophageal & GI Ulcer Treatment
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A medication used in the treatment of ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestines of various animals.
Summary
Used For:
Sucralfate is used to coat and protect ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestines
Brands:
Carafate
Species:
Dogs, cats, ferrets, small mammals, rodents, rabbits, horses, and reptiles
Other names:
Drug type:
Gastrointestinal
Prescription required:
Yes
Pregnancy and lactation:
Likely safe for pregnant or lactating animals but not fully evaluated.
Side effects:
Constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric discomfort
General description
Sucralfate is an medication that is used in the treatment and prevention of esophageal and gastrointestinal ulcers.
While many medications are often administered for ‘off-label’ or 'extra-label' use in veterinary medicine, it is important to know that off- or extra- label use of a medication can only be done by a veterinarian when there are no other more appropriate medications for a particular pet's circumstances. Your veterinarian must also know all vitamins, supplements, medications etc. your pet is taking to help avoid complications. You must also be sure to follow all instructions provided by your vet carefully and consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns if they arise.
Buy Sucralfate now on Petco. A prescription from your veterinarian is required to purchase.
Uses
Sucralfate is used to coat ulcers in the digestive system and protect them from further damage from stomach acid.
How it works
Sucralfate reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form a paste-like complex that binds to the ulcer sites. This barrier helps protect the ulcers from further damage caused by acids, enzymes, and bile salts found in the stomach and promotes healing.
Dosage
*Information provided below outlines what a typical dose might look like. Always consult your veterinarian on the appropriate dose for your specific animal when using any vitamin, supplement, off-label or prescription products. Some vets may prescribe outside of these ranges based on specific needs of the patient.
Dogs and Cats: Empirically dosed at ¼- ½ of a 1 gram tablet (250 – 500 mg) for toy breed dogs and cats to 1 gram per large dog orally every 6-12 hours. May be crushed and suspended in water or compounded into a suspension and used within 14 days.
Ferrets/Rabbits/Rodents/Small mammals: 25-100 milligrams per kilogram orally every 6-12 hours.
Horses: 10 – 20 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 6-8 hours.
Birds: 25 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 8 hours.
Reptiles: 500–1000 milligrams per kilogram by mouth every 6–8 hours.
Forms
Sucralfate Oral Tablets: 1 gram
Sucralfate Suspension: 100 milligrams per milliliter.
Storage information & handling
Tablets: stored at room temperature protected from moisture and light. suspension: stored at room temperature, shake well before using.
What results can I expect?
While this medication should take effect within one to two hours, it could be a few weeks before effects are noticed. Improvement may not be identified by a visual inspection of the pet as repair happens internally. Resolution of gastrointestinal signs for which the medication was prescribed are expected with an appropriate timeline provided by your veterinarian.
Missed Dosage
Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Never give two doses at once.
Be sure to follow your veterinarian's timeline for treatment and never discontinue treatment without speaking with your veterinarian first.
Overdose / acute toxicity
Overdose is uncommon due to the wide margin of safety. Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation. Keep out of reach of animals and children.
Side effects
Rare, but may include:
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastric discomfort
*May elevate blood sugar in diabetic patients but this has not been studied in animals.
Contraindications
Avoid use in animals with:
- Known H2 antagonist hypersensitivity
- Kidney disease
*An allergy to this medication
Drug interactions
Consult your veterinarian before using sucralfate with any other medications, even vitamins and supplements. Sucralfate may impair the absorption of other oral medications, supplements, herbal therapies, etc. It is best to administer sucralfate on an empty stomach and not administer any other medications, vitamins, supplements, herbal therapies, etc. within 2 hours. The following medications may interact with Sucralfate:
*Antacids containing aluminum particularly in animals with kidney disease
- Azithromycin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Enrofloxacin
- Diclofenac
- Digoxin
- Doxycycline
- Erythromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Levothyroxine
- Minocycline
- Penicillamine
- Tetracycline
- Theophylline
- Vitamins (fat soluble)
- Warfarin
Precaution
Sucralfate should be used cautiously in animals with decreased intestinal transit times.
Sources
Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook
VIN Veterinary Drug Handbook
Manufacturer information
Allergan - Carafate
Disclaimer
The information contained on this page is for educational purposes only. This medication should only be given under the advice of a veterinarian who has examined your pet under the laws applicable to your state of residence.