Sucralfate
Brand names: Antepsin
Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant used in the management of peptic ulcer disease and related mucosal damage. It acts locally rather than by reducing acid secretion.
ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
US labelling (FDA)
Reference — US labelling, may differ from UKDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Active Duodenal Ulcer. The recommended adult oral dosage for duodenal ulcer is 1 g four times per day on an empty stomach. Antacids may be prescribed as needed for relief of pain but should not be taken within one-half hour before or after sucralfate. While healing with sucralfate may occur during the first week or two, treatment should be continued for 4 to 8 weeks unless healing has been demonstrated by x-ray or endoscopic examination. Maintenance Therapy: The recommended adult oral dosage is 1 g twice a day. Elderly: In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater …
Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2025-01-03. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.
Clinical monograph
How it works
In the acid environment of the stomach it forms a viscous, adherent complex that coats ulcerated mucosa, providing a physical barrier against acid, pepsin and bile.
Prescribing in practice
- Sucralfate can bind many co-administered drugs and reduce their absorption (including certain antibiotics, levothyroxine, phenytoin and digoxin), so separate the timing of other medicines from sucralfate.
- It contains aluminium, which can accumulate in significant renal impairment, so use with caution or avoid in this group and in patients on dialysis.
- Constipation is common, and bezoar formation has been reported, particularly in critically ill patients, those with delayed gastric emptying or on enteral feeding.
Monitoring
No specific laboratory monitoring is required in most patients; be alert to aluminium accumulation in renal impairment and to gastrointestinal symptoms suggesting bezoar formation or obstruction.
Counselling the patient
- Take it on an empty stomach, separately from food and from your other medicines, leaving a gap as advised.
- Tell your pharmacist about all your other medicines, as the timing may need to be spaced out.
- Report persistent constipation or abdominal pain.
Evidence & guidelines
Recognised option for mucosal protection in peptic ulcer disease (per the SPC).
Reference: BTS ICU stress ulcer prophylaxis guidelines; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.