What Is Carafate 1 Gram for Dogs?

Carafate is the brand name of the drug sucralfate. The brand-name drug, manufactured by Hoechst Marion Roussel, is registered for use in humans only. It is used off-label, however, in the veterinary world to treat oral, gastric, duodenal and esophageal ulcers in dogs. It is available in a 1-gram scored tablet or a 1-gram per 10-ml liquid solution. Carafate is available by prescription only.

  1. Use

    • Carafate 1-gram tablets coat ulcers and protect them from damaging stomach acids. By coating the ulcers, Carafate provides an environment conducive to healing. Some veterinarians also prescribe Carafate for dogs taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, or NSAID, pain relievers in an attempt to prevent the formation of ulcers. It is also used to prevent gastritis -- a form of stomach inflammation -- in dogs taking NSAID drugs. Carafate is sometimes prescribed to dogs experiencing acid reflux disease in an attempt to reduce damage to the esophagus caused by stomach acids.

    Administration

    • Doses vary, depending upon the condition being treated and the individual dog. The typical prescribed dose ranges from ¼ to 1 gram every six to eight hours. Carafate should be given on an empty stomach. Administer the medication one hour before feeding or two hours after, unless the veterinarian directs otherwise. If you miss giving a dose to your dog, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not give your dog two doses at once. If you realize you missed a dose close to the next dose, do not administer the skipped dose and resume giving the medication on your dog's regular schedule.

    Storage

    • Keep Carafate out of the reach of pets and children. Store the drug at room temperature and away from heat or direct sunlight. Keep Carafate away from sources of moisture, such as a bathroom medicine cabinet or near your kitchen sink. Because Carafate requires heat and moisture to form a protective coating in your dog's body, the presence of moisture or heat can cause the medication to deteriorate quickly.

    Adverse Reactions

    • Some dogs experience constipation when using Carafate. Occasionally dogs taking Carafate develop an allergic reaction to the drug. Signs of an allergic reaction include but are not limited to swelling, hives, itching, sudden or severe diarrhea, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, paling of the mucous membranes, colder-than-usual limbs, coma and death. Speak to your veterinarian immediately if any side effects or signs of an allergic reaction occur.

    Warning

    • Carafate negatively interacts with certain other medications. It might cause a reduced efficacy in medications, including but not limited to tetracycline, cimetidine, digoxin, phenytoin and fluroquinine antibiotics, such as enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Because Carafate requires the presence of stomach acid to form a protective coating in the dog's stomach, it should not be given in conjunction with an antacid. Speak to your veterinary health care professional about any concerns or questions you have about Carafate for your dog.