Sucralfate (Carafate®)

Sucralfate (Carafate®) Gastrointestinal Medication to Coat & Treat Ulcerations in Dogs & Cats

Sucralfate (Carafate®) is used in dogs and cats to treat and coat ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines. To work effectively, sucralfate should be given two to four times daily on a strictly empty stomach, which means no food or other medications within two hours before or two hours after giving sucralfate.

Sucralfate Dosing & Administration

Give sucralfate two to four times daily, following the prescription label and the plan provided for your pet. Keep the dosing window strictly empty stomach: no food or other medications within two hours before or two hours after the dose.

Missed doses & medication Changes

If your pet misses a dose of sucralfate, give it as soon as you remember unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.

Contact your pet’s veterinary team before making changes to a sucralfate plan.

Special Precautions for Sucralfate

Sucralfate is most effective in liquid form, but it’s often prescribed in pill form. If pills are provided:

  • Crush the pills and dissolve them in warm water to create a slurry just before giving the dose.

  • If your pet won’t tolerate the slurry, the pills may need to be given whole.

Potential Side effects of Sucralfate

Sucralfate is generally well-tolerated in dogs and cats, but constipation can occur. To help ease constipation:

  • Offer one to two tablespoons of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) per 10 pounds of body weight.

  • If your pet is on a special diet, check with your veterinarian before adding pumpkin or making any diet change.

Monitor your pet for any unusual symptoms or behaviors while taking sucralfate and report them to your veterinary team. Follow-up visits may be recommended to adjust the dosage or treatment plan as needed.

Sucralfate (Carafate®) FAQs

  • Sucralfate is used to treat and coat ulcerations in the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

  • Sucralfate should be given two to four times daily on a strictly empty stomach, with no food or other medications within two hours before or two hours after the dose.

  • If your pet misses a dose of sucralfate, give the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose time on the prescription label. If it’s close, skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.

  • Sucralfate is generally well-tolerated, but constipation can occur.

  • Sucralfate is most effective in liquid form, but it’s often prescribed in pill form. If pills are provided, crush them and dissolve them in warm water to create a slurry just before giving the dose. If your pet won’t tolerate the slurry, the pills may need to be given whole.