Name
- Sucralfate.
Class of drug
- Mucosal protectant.
- Ulcer-healing agent.
Uses
Action
- Sucralfate is a complex of aluminium hydroxide and sulphated sucrose.
- In an acidic medium an aluminium ion detaches from the compound leaving a very polar, relatively non-absorbable ion. This ion then binds to proteinaceous exudates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract forming a 'bandage' over ulcer sites thereby preventing further erosion from acid, pepsin and bile salts.
- Major action appears to relate to stimulation of mucosal defences and repair mechanisms. These effects are produced by prostaglandin-dependent and prostaglandin-independent pathways (such as inhibition of pepsin) and are seen at neutral pH.
Indications
- Oesophageal, gastric and duodenal ulceration
, usually given with H2 antagonist, eg cimetidine , famotidine , ranitidine but administered separately.
Adverse reactions
Other reported reactions
- Constipation in man.
- Diarrhea in man.
