Sucralfate: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When your stomach lining is irritated or damaged, sucralfate, a gastroprotective agent that forms a protective barrier over ulcers. Also known as Carafate, it doesn’t reduce acid like other meds—it physically shields the hurt areas so they can heal. Unlike proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, sucralfate works locally, right where the damage is. That’s why it’s often used when you need targeted healing, not just less acid.

Sucralfate is commonly prescribed for peptic ulcers, open sores in the stomach or duodenum caused by acid, H. pylori, or NSAIDs. It’s also used for gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. You’ll often see it in patients who can’t tolerate acid-reducing drugs, or those with mild to moderate ulcers who need something gentle but effective. It’s not a quick fix—it takes weeks to work—but it’s low-risk and rarely causes side effects. Many people use it alongside antibiotics if H. pylori is involved, because it helps the lining recover while the infection clears.

It’s not just for ulcers. Doctors sometimes use sucralfate for acid reflux, especially when the esophagus is damaged. It coats the lower esophagus like a bandage, protecting it from stomach acid splash-back. Some patients with radiation-induced esophagitis or stress ulcers in hospitals also get it. The key is timing: you take it on an empty stomach, usually 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. That way, it’s ready to form its protective layer when acid starts flowing.

It’s not magic. You still need to avoid alcohol, smoking, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin while using it. Those things keep the damage going, no matter how well sucralfate works. And while it’s safe for most people, it can cause constipation or interfere with how other drugs are absorbed. That’s why you shouldn’t take it at the same time as antibiotics, thyroid meds, or antidepressants—space them out by at least two hours.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of drug comparisons. You’ll see how sucralfate stacks up against other ulcer treatments, what real patients report about its effectiveness, and how it fits into broader stomach health strategies. Some posts dig into how it works with antibiotics, others compare it to PPIs, and a few look at long-term use in chronic conditions. Whether you’re managing a recent diagnosis or just trying to understand why your doctor chose this over something else, the info here cuts through the noise.