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Sucralfate

Prescription
GI mucosal protectant (sucrose sulfate-aluminium complex)
Last reviewed 19 Apr 2026 · PetCare.AI Editorial Team
Species
Dog, Cat
Brands
3 available
Interactions
8 documented
Formulations
2

Mechanism of action

In acidic environment, forms a viscous paste that binds to ulcer craters, creating a protective barrier; also stimulates prostaglandin and bicarbonate production

At a glance

Class
GI mucosal protectant (sucrose sulfate-aluminium complex)
Schedule
Prescription
Storage
Store below 25°C

Dosing

🐕

Dog

Gastric/oesophageal ulcers
Dose
0.5–1 g per dog
Route
PO
Frequency
TID-QID
Max dose
1000 mg/dose; 4000 mg/day
Duration: 2-6 weeks
🐈

Cat

Gastric/oesophageal ulcers
Dose
0.25–0.5 g per cat
Route
PO
Frequency
TID
Max dose
500 mg/dose; 1500 mg/day
Duration: 2-4 weeks
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Formulations

💊

Tablet — 1

Strength
1g
Available in India
🧴

Suspension — 1

Strength
200mg/mL
Available in India

Storage

Store below 25°C

Safety

Use with caution

  • Renal failure
    Contains aluminium — risk of aluminium accumulation in renal failure
  • Concurrent oral medications
    Sucralfate binds many drugs and reduces absorption — give other drugs 2 hours before sucralfate
  • Concurrent H2 blockers or PPIs
    Sucralfate requires acidic pH to polymerise — give PPIs/H2 blockers 30 min after sucralfate

Adverse effects

Common
Constipation
Serious
Aluminium toxicity in renal failure patients (chronic use)
Bezoar formation (rare)

Monitoring parameters

GI signsStool consistencyAluminium levels in renal patients
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Interactions

Moderate — 8

Doxycycline
moderate
Sucralfate contains aluminum which chelates tetracyclines, reducing absorption
Management: Administer doxycycline at least 2 hours before sucralfate.
Enrofloxacin
moderate
Sucralfate chelates fluoroquinolones, reducing oral bioavailability by up to 90%
Management: Administer enrofloxacin at least 2 hours before sucralfate
Omeprazole
moderate
Sucralfate requires acidic environment for activation; omeprazole raises gastric pH, reducing sucralfate efficacy
Management: Administer sucralfate 30-60 minutes before omeprazole if both required.
Levothyroxine
moderate
Sucralfate binds thyroid hormone in the gut, reducing levothyroxine absorption
Management: Give levothyroxine at least 4 hours before sucralfate.
Marbofloxacin
moderate
Sucralfate (aluminum-containing) chelates fluoroquinolones, reducing absorption by 50-90%.
Management: Separate by 2 hours. Give marbofloxacin 2h before or 4h after sucralfate.
Ciprofloxacin
moderate
Sucralfate (aluminum) chelates ciprofloxacin, reducing absorption by 50-90%.
Management: Separate by 2 hours. Give ciprofloxacin 2h before or 4h after sucralfate.
Minocycline
moderate
Sucralfate (aluminum) chelates tetracyclines in the GI tract, reducing minocycline absorption. However, minocycline is less affected than other tetracyclines due to high lipophilicity.
Management: Separate by 2 hours if possible. Minocycline absorption is less affected by food/antacids than other tetracyclines, but sucralfate still reduces it.
Tetracycline
moderate
Aluminum in sucralfate chelates tetracycline, reducing absorption by 50-80%.
Management: Separate by at least 2 hours. Give tetracycline 2h before sucralfate.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

Brands

International

Carafate
Aptalis

India

Sucrafil
Torrent
Sucral
Intas

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What is Sucralfate?
Sucralfate is a gi mucosal protectant (sucrose sulfate-aluminium complex) used in pets. In acidic environment, forms a viscous paste that binds to ulcer craters, creating a protective barrier; also stimulates prostaglandin and bicarbonate production
What is Sucralfate used for in pets?
Sucralfate is used in veterinary medicine for: Gastric/oesophageal ulcers.
What is the Sucralfate dose for dogs?
For dogs, Sucralfate is typically dosed as follows — Gastric/oesophageal ulcers: 0.5–1 g per dog PO TID-QID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What is the Sucralfate dose for cats?
For cats, Sucralfate is typically dosed as follows — Gastric/oesophageal ulcers: 0.25–0.5 g per cat PO TID. Always consult your veterinarian for a dose tailored to your pet's weight, age, and condition.
What are the side effects of Sucralfate?
Common: Constipation. Serious (call your vet immediately): Aluminium toxicity in renal failure patients (chronic use), Bezoar formation (rare).
Does Sucralfate need a prescription?
Yes. Sucralfate is a prescription medication and should only be administered under veterinary supervision.
Educational reference only
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. Find a vet near you →

References

References

The PetCare.AI drug reference is built from 13 authoritative sources cited across 580 drug monographs.

Textbooks & handbooks — 5

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Withrow & MacEwen's Small Animal Clinical Oncology
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
  • NRC Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats
  • Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics (Riviere & Papich)

Clinical guidelines & consensus — 4

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Guidelines
  • AAHA Diabetes Management Guidelines
  • ASPCA Poison Control Guidelines
  • RECOVER CPR Guidelines

Journals & peer-reviewed studies — 2

  • EPIC Study (J Vet Intern Med 2016)
  • JVIM FAT CAT Study

Regulatory & approvals — 1

  • CDSCO Veterinary Drug Approval Registry (1969–2026)

Databases — 1

  • Washington State University VCPL MDR1 Database
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