What is carafate used for?

What is Carafate (sucralfate) used for?

Carafate is the brand name for sucralfate, a medicine used to help treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and upper digestive tract. It works by coating ulcer sites so they can heal while helping protect them from stomach acid and digestive enzymes.[1]

Doctors commonly prescribe Carafate for:
- Duodenal ulcers (ulcers in the first part of the small intestine)
- Gastric ulcers (ulcers in the stomach)

Is Carafate used for acid reflux or heartburn?

Carafate is not a primary treatment for typical acid reflux (heartburn) like many proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers. Its main role is ulcer healing/protection rather than long-term reflux control.[1]

Is Carafate used for prevention, or only active ulcers?

Carafate can be used in both situations depending on the condition. In ulcer-related care, it may be used to help ulcers heal and also to help prevent recurrence for certain patients, based on the prescribing plan.[1]

How does Carafate work?

Carafate forms a protective barrier over ulcer tissue. This coating helps shield the area from stomach acid and pepsin, which supports healing and reduces irritation at the ulcer site.[1]

Sources

[1] https://www.drugs.com/carafate.html