Drug Interaction Report

If you have kidney disease, you may need to limit the use of sucralfate. Chronic use of sucralfate or other medications that contain aluminum may cause toxicity in patients with advanced kidney disease due to impaired ability to clear aluminum from the body. Aluminum can accumulate and deposit in various tissues over time, causing toxicities such as weak bones, fractures, bone pain, muscle weakness, anemia, mental changes, seizures, dementia, and coma. The risk of aluminum toxicity may be further increased with high doses of ascorbic acid, which increase the absorption of aluminum from the intestine. You should avoid taking medications that contain aluminum if you have impaired kidney function unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Always check the labels of over-the-counter medications to be sure they do not contain aluminum before you use them. Talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional if you are not sure whether a product contains aluminum. They may also be able to suggest alternative medications when necessary. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

When sucralfate is given with enteral (tube) feedings, the feeding tube may become clogged and/or sucralfate may not work as well. You could interrupt the feeding for 1 hour before and after the sucralfate dose. However, this still may not entirely avoid the interaction and may not always be feasible. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.