Sucralfate--alternative therapy for peptic-ulcer disease.

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical studies, adverse reactions, and dosage of sucralfate (Carafate, Marion Laboratories), a unique drug for peptic-ulcer disease, are reviewed. Sucralfate exerts its antiulcer effect by binding with proteinacious material, neutralizing local acidity without affecting gastric pH, and forming a protective barrier at the ulcer site. It also inhibits the diffusion of hydrogen ion, inhibits the action of pepsin, and adsorbs bile salts. Approximately 3-5% of an orally administered dose of sucralfate is absorbed; more than 90% of the dose is excreted unchanged in the feces. Sucralfate remains at the site of gastric ulcers for up to six hours. In the treatment of duodenal ulcers, sucralfate is more effective than placebo and comparable with cimetidine and intensive antacid therapy. Healing rates for gastric ulcers are less impressive but are comparable with those produced by cimetidine and antacids. Additive or synergistic effects of sucralfate with cimetidine or intensive antacid therapy have not been studied. Sucralfate has few side effects because it is not absorbed; most frequently reported are constipation (3-4%), xerostomia (1%), and skin eruptions (0.6%). No drug-drug interactions have been reported. The recommended dose of sucralfate is 1 g four times a day one hour before meals and at bedtime. Sucralfate is a unique antiulcer drug that compares favorably with cimetidine and antacid therapy in terms of safety and efficacy. Sucralfate is FDA-approved for short-term (up to eight weeks) treatment of duodenal ulcers.