HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Carafate timing question

Support Forums
>
GERD & Acid Reflux
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/13/2011 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
I am still trying to time out the use of Carafate. I now know that I have slow emptying stomach so my GI wants me to drink protein drinks slowly throughout the day. I still try to eat a small amount of food at breakfast, lunch and dinner. I find that I only have maybe 1 1/2 hours between finishing up the protein drink in the morning and lunch. Since it's mostly liquid that's probably still in my stomach can I take a Carafate dose 30 min before lunch and an hour after finishing the last of the protein drink? I only drink 2 oz of the protein drink every 30 minutes, so it's not like I just had a whole drink all at once......so what do you think? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Sewfun
Posted 6/13/2011 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
sewfun

timing may depend why you are taking the carafate...stomach ulcer or to protect the lining of the esophagus or a combination?

yeah i always found it quite the challenge to time the PPI, clear the last meal (i ate many small meals a day...eat like a goat as hey say) an get the carafat down a hour before the next meal

my doc wanted me to grind the pill up with a small amount of water into a slurry and drizzle down the back of my throat...always fun especially when going out or at a friends house

i just took to grinding up the tablet with my teeth and sipping enough water to create a mash of saliva, water and power...an keep leaning back ;)

to cut to the chase i dont have "certainty" in my knowledge of carafate to really answer your question for sure
but
from what ive read and been told and experienced... it takes about 45 min to an hour for the poly saccharides in the carafe to bind to the cells that need to be protected, so i would "guess" the answer is, no, you need a little more time than 30 minutes, to take the carafate before the next meal

but lets see what more knowledgeable members have to say,

and also this would be an appropriate question to ask your pcp

best of good luck to you

mock turtle
Posted 6/13/2011 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sewfun,
I've heard the timing is because if you have a stomach full of food, the Carafate coats the food, rather than your stomach. I suggest you call the pharmacist. They're even more knowledgeable than the docs about these things.

My guess is that it doesn't take long for the protein drink to make it through the stomach, so you could take the Carafate sooner.

I do remember speaking to the pharmacist and she said that after taking meds, they should clear your stomach by the one hour mark, so you can safely take it sooner than the two hours, but if you take the Carafate, you need to wait the 2 hours afterward for the meds. You only need to wait one hour after Carafate before you eat, though.

2oz of protein drink shouldn't really interfere with the Carafate, but to be safe, the pharmacist should be consulted. Let me know what he/she says!
Denise
Posted 6/14/2011 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the input. I will be getting the script refilled tomorrow or the next day. I will see what the pharmacist has to say then.

Have a good evening,turn

Sewfun
Posted 6/15/2011 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
it's such a pain to time the carafate. I feel like a newborn baby--I can't miss my feeding/medicine schedule and have to pack mushy food with me everywhere i go
Posted 6/15/2011 9:01 PM (GMT 0)
I spoke with my pharmacist today. According to him I can take the Carafate 1 hour after finishing the protein drink and 30 minutes before my next meal and still benefit from it. So I will be able to use it at least twice a day - lunch and bedtime. I take my ppi before breakfast and dinner. I think it will help taking it that additional time in the middle of the day. Here's hoping for a faster recovery. turn

Jasmine, I feel the same way about being on a feeding schedule. I don't leave home without a bottle of Ensure. I am grateful that I seem to like it though. wink
Posted 6/16/2011 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Strawberry ensures are a God send! I hope you feel awesome quickly!!!!!
Posted 6/18/2011 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am on carafate for ulcer or ulcers right now and I have to take 2; one hour before I eat, or 2-3 hours after a meal. I am on this twice a day. There huge pills and very chalky. The minute I put one in my mouth and start drinking water they start dissolving fast. Urg! I just started taking them 3 days ago and I am hoping I can somewhat feel a difference soon? I know ulcers do not heal overnight but not sure how long the carafate can take?

Hope you feel better soon!
Posted 7/7/2011 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
It took about 3 days for the carafate to work it's best and when I go off it it takes 3 days to loose it's effectiveness. I take the liquid form of carafate--that's gross too.
Posted 4/13/2013 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I have been on carafate for 4 days and my doctor wants me on it for two weeks. It seemed to help and I felt better right away but then my uncomfortable stomach, feeling full and not hungry at all came back. Is this the normal process? Does it take awhile to feel better?
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply