Sucralfate

For Veterinary Use

	Overview Therapeutic Class Local gastro-protectant Species Dogs, cats and horses Commonly prescribed by vets for: Ulcers within the gastro-intestinal tract FDA Status No veterinary approved products available.

Basic Information

Sucralfate is a hydroxy aluminum salt of sucrose octasulfate that acts as a local-mucosal adherent. In an acidic environment, sucralfate forms a sticky viscose gel that adheres to protenacious exudates within an ulcer crater. This "band aid" effect lasts about six hours. At a higher pH, sucralfate may remain in suspension, but may improve the gastric environment by adsorbing pepsin, buffering hydrogen ions, stimulating prostaglandin E, increasing bicarbonate secretion, stimulating mucous secretion and binding epidermal growth factor. The absorption of sucralfate is minimal; its actions are local rather than systemic and it does not affect gastric acid output or enzyme activity. Sucralfate is used in the treatment of oral, esophageal, gastric, duodenal and colonic ulcers. Usually, sucralfate is given on an empty stomach.

Dogs and Cats

Sucralfate is used for the treatment of ulcers and upper GI disorders of dogs and cat. Common causes of GI erosion and ulceration in dogs include drugs (particularly NSAIDs and corticosteroids), toxic chemical ingestion, liver disease, renal failure, carcinoma, stress (trauma, shock, sepsis and burns), inflammatory bowel disease, mast-cell tumors, hypoadrenocorticism and any condition causing an excessive secretion of gastric acid.

Side Effects

Side effects are rare. Constipation and hypo-phosphatemia may occur in a small percentage of patients.

Precautions

• Sucralfate may decrease the rate of gastric emptying and slow GI transit time.

Drug Interactions

• Sucralfate may affect the absorption of many drugs and, in general, administration should be separated for other oral drugs including: NSAIDs, H2 receptor antagonists, fluoroquinolones, digoxin, ketoconazole, levothyroxine, penicillamine, tetracyclines, fat-soluble vitamins and warfarin.

Overdose

• It is unlikely that an overdose of sucralfate will cause clinical problems because it is so poorly absorbed. Very high doses (50X) have been administered to laboratory animals without mortality.