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Carafate Side Effects

Generic name: sucralfate

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 6, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about sucralfate. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Carafate.

Applies to sucralfate: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of Carafate

Along with its needed effects, sucralfate (the active ingredient contained in Carafate) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sucralfate:

Incidence not known

  • Blue lips and fingernails
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain
  • cough
  • coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
  • difficult, fast, noisy breathing
  • difficulty in swallowing
  • dry mouth
  • feeling of fullness
  • flushed, dry skin
  • fruit-like breath odor
  • hoarseness
  • increased hunger
  • increased sweating
  • increased thirst
  • increased urination
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • pale skin
  • slow or irregular breathing
  • stomach pain
  • sweating
  • swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat
  • swelling of the legs and ankles
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing
  • unexplained weight loss
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting

Other side effects of Carafate

Some side effects of sucralfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Rare

  • Back ache
  • bloated
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  • headache
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • indigestion
  • passing gas
  • sensation of spinning
  • sleepiness
  • stomach cramps
  • trouble sleeping

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to sucralfate: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.

General

The most commonly reported side effect was constipation.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Common (1% to 10%): Constipation

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry mouth, nausea

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bezoar formation

Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, flatulence, gastric discomfort, indigestion, vomiting

Postmarketing reports: Lip swelling, mouth edema[Ref]

Bezoars were reported in patients with enteral feedings, delayed gastric emptying, and/or low birthweight neonates.[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Headache

Frequency not reported: Dizziness, drowsiness/sleepiness, encephalopathy, vertigo

Postmarketing reports: Cerebral emboli[Ref]

Encephalopathy occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.

Cerebral emboli occurred in patients receiving IV administration.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria

Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Rash

Frequency not reported: Pruritus

Postmarketing reports: Face edema[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Osteodystrophy and osteomalacia occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Back pain, osteodystrophy, osteomalacia[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Dyspnea

Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, pharyngeal edema, pulmonary emboli, respiratory tract edema[Ref]

Pulmonary edema occurred after IV administration.[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Thirst

Postmarketing reports: Face edema[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Anemia[Ref]

Anemia occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Insomnia[Ref]

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Edema[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Carafate (sucralfate). Hoechst Marion Roussel. 2001.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer