Ralfate Suspension is used in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. It contains the active ingredient sucralfate which promotes the healing of ulcers by forming a coating over them which acts as a physical barrier.
Ralfate Suspension is taken one hour before meals preferably at bedtime in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen.
The most common side effect of Ralfate Suspension are constipation and headache. To prevent constipation, take plenty of fluids while on treatment with this medicine. Dizziness and sleepiness may occasionally occur, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking Ralfate Suspension inform the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Do not take antacids within two hours of taking Ralfate Suspension.
Intestinal ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the intestine. Ralfate Suspension is used to treat intestinal ulcers. Ralfate Suspension works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, preventing further damage to the ulcer, and heals naturally. Ralfate Suspension also reduces pain and bleeding associated with intestinal ulcers. You may be given other medicines along with this medicine depending on what caused the ulcer. You need to keep taking Ralfate Suspension as prescribed by the doctor for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.
In Treatment of Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the stomach. Ralfate Suspension is used to treat stomach ulcers. Ralfate Suspension covers the damaged ulcer tissue in the stomach and protects it against stomach acid or further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly. $also gives relief from pain and discomfort in the stomach associated with stomach ulcers. You need to keep taking the medicine as it is prescribed for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.
Side effects of Ralfate Suspension
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Ralfate
Constipation
Headache
How to use Ralfate Suspension
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Ralfate Suspension is to be taken empty stomach.
How Ralfate Suspension works
Ralfate Suspension forms a coating over the ulcer or any other raw surface. This creates a physical barrier that protects the ulcer/raw surface from the gastric acid or any other injury, allowing it to heal.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Ralfate Suspension. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Ralfate Suspension is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Ralfate Suspension during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Ralfate Suspension may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
Ralfate Suspension should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Ralfate Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Ralfate Suspension in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take Ralfate Suspension?
If you miss a dose of Ralfate Suspension, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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Heartburn Mental disorder Depression Frequent persistent heartburn Gastroesophageal reflux disease Irritable bowel syndrome Indigestion Back flow of acid from stomach Difficulty in swallowing Inflammation of esophagus Excess acid secretion by stomach Intestinal or stomach ulcers
Dr. Sunil Sekhri
Diabetology
You need to be examined in clinic to reach a diagnosis and then appropriate medicine can be prescribed
Dear mam as it is a chronic problem it requires long case taking, examination and regular follow up, therefore, please visit a homeopath so that he can examine you and guide you accordingly.
What should you avoid when taking Ralfate Suspension?
It is advisable to avoid taking antacids within 30 minutes of taking Ralfate Suspension since this medicine can decrease the absorption of some antacids if taken together.
How long after taking Ralfate Suspension can I eat?
Ralfate Suspension must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Does Ralfate Suspension work immediately?
No, it takes around one to two weeks for the medicine to heal an ulcer of the stomach or intestine. But continue taking Ralfate Suspension for the duration as prescribed by your doctor for complete healing.
Does Ralfate Suspension cause constipation?
Yes, constipation is one of the common side effects of Ralfate Suspension. Include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.
Is Ralfate Suspension an antibiotic/sulfa drug/pain-killer/PPI?
Ralfate Suspension is not an antibiotic/sulfa drug/ PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) or a pain-killer. It is an ulcer protective medicine
Is Ralfate Suspension available or sold over the counter?
No. Ralfate Suspension is a prescription drug. It is not available or sold over the counter
Is Ralfate Suspension gluten free?
Yes. Ralfate Suspension is gluten free. However, please refer to package insert of the prescribed brand before use
Is Ralfate Suspension safe?
Yes. Ralfate Suspension is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor
Can I take Ralfate Suspension with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen/Pepto?
Yes. Ralfate Suspension can be taken with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen and Pepto if prescribed by your doctor
Does Ralfate Suspension cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia/ heartburn?
Ralfate Suspension does not cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia or heartburn. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor
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References
Wallace JL, Sharkey KA. Pharmacotherapy of Gastric Acidity, Peptic Ulcers, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1315.
McQuaid KR. Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 1075-76.
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