Sucralfate for Dogs and Cats
If your pet has been diagnosed with oral ulcers or GI erosion and ulceration, then sucralfate is a medication your veterinarian may prescribe your pet. While sucralfate can help the management of GI conditions, it is important to identify the underlying condition to get your pet back to normal health.
What Is Sucralfate?
Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer agent that is theorized to react with stomach acids to form a protective barrier at ulcer sites. This barrier is resistant to the common digestive agents in the stomach.
Why Sucralfate Is Prescribed in Veterinary Medicine
Sucralfate is prescribed by veterinarians to dogs and cats to treat ulcers in the GI tract. It is may also be prescribed as an ulcer preventive to pets that have a history of ulcers and have been prescribed a medication known to cause GI distress.
Other Uses for Sucralfate in Veterinary Medicine
Sucralfate may also be used as a phosphate-binder in pets with kidney insufficiency.
Dosage and Administration of Sucralfate
Sucralfate is available as a tablet and oral liquid. Higher concentrations are required to be prepared by a compounding pharmacy; this may be necessary if your pet is particularly difficult to medicate.
If your pet is on other medications, it is recommended to give other medications 2 hours before or after sucralfate. Sucralfate should be administered 30 minutes before feeding.
Special Precautions for Using Sucralfate
Sucralfate may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and should be used with extra caution in diabetic pets. Additionally, this medication causes a decrease in phosphate levels in pets; electrolytes should be monitored while your pet is on this medication.
Possible Side Effects of Sucralfate
Sucralfate is generally well-tolerated in pets with minimum side effects. Rare side effects include constipation and diarrhea.
Known Drug Interactions With Sucralfate
Before starting any new medication, make sure your veterinarian is aware of any other medications, vitamins, or supplements that your pet may already be taking. Sucralfate is known to decrease the overall effectiveness of medication when given together. Ensure to follow dosing instructions as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Proper Storage and Disposal of Sucralfate
Sucralfate should be stored at a controlled room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Do not store it in the freezer. If your veterinarian discontinues your pet’s use of enrofloxacin, the remaining medication should be disposed of in the trash. To dispose of this medication, remove it from its original container and mix it with an undesirable substance such as coffee grounds or cat litter. Put the medication in a sealable bag or container and dispose of in regular trash.
Sources:
https://www.plumbsveterinarydrugs.com/
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/sucralfate
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951514
https://www.petrescuerx.com/index.cfm/product/96_118/sucralfate.htm
