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GERD & Acid Reflux
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Posted 7/8/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
I had tried Sucralfate last year a couple of times .. and it had ended up giving me bloating back then (almost 14 months back). Last week, I was (wistfully :)) - going through the stack of my meds: for the ones who don't know my history, I get side effects on all serious acid reducing meds: PPIs (prilosec, nexium, protonix, aciphex, prevacid, zegrid) and even H2 blockers (zantac, pepcid, tagament)

However, I decided to give Sucralfate a try again and I've been having the 4/day dosage (between the meals) for the last few days and am feeling better without any bloating so far.

So, I am curious to know how many of you use Sucralfate for managing your GERD symptoms and your experiences with it - short term and long term. I know it has aluminium in it and it may not be a long term solution - but if it can help with the symptoms, I'll be willing to be on it - off and on. One advantage over the PPIs would be that one will not get dependent on it - since all it does is really coat and heal the lining of the stomach and esophagus (I mix it with water so that some of it can stick on the esophagus). I also understand that it really is meant for teating duodenal and other ulcers in the lower GI, but can help with GERD as well.
Posted 7/8/2012 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
you need the liquid form, and the side effects are next to zero, especially compared to other "antacids". long-term use should not be detrimental either as it is minimally absorbed by the GI tract.
Posted 7/8/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
I use the pill when I have symptoms and it knocks 'em out.
Posted 7/8/2012 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PPI-LESS,

I don't think you have to worry about long-term effects of Sulcrafate or Carafate suspension (Like hitThePost, I think the suspension is by far the best). As hitThePost said, very little is absorbed and most is excreted.  My PCP says it's a very safe drug, and it's lucky it helps me so much.

I use the Carafate suspension often--usually daily--because I have a very reactive stomach and it gets irritated easily.  Since I had my Nissen surgery, the irritation stays in my stomach, but since my wrap is made from my reactive stomach it gets irritated as well.  The Carafate coats it and provides amazing relief.

I think it's a wonder drug, and I can't be without it!  I definitely think it's a great option for someone who can't handle PPIs.  It was developed as a way to coat the stomach and allow ulcers to heal.  My GI doc said that it lasts about 6 hours, which is a whole lot longer than Maalox.

Good luck!  I hope it works great for you.

Denise

Posted 7/9/2012 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
It cleared up my gastritis, helped some with reflux but I don't think it stopped any lpr issues for me. Over all I believe it has helped and would not want to be without it if I wasn't on ppi's & h2's (hopefully someday).
Posted 7/9/2012 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks. I will ask for the suspension from my doctor and will also try it out. My symptoms are much less pronounced on sulcrafate so far - except for a brief period of a few hours yesterday.
Posted 7/9/2012 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi PPI-LESS,

The suspension formulation is much, much more expensive, so don't be surprised when you see the cost.  Hopefully you have a good prescription plan.  If not, and you don't want to spend that much, try putting the sulcrafate tablet in a medicine cup or shot glass, then stir in a little water with a toothpick.  When it's mixed, throw it back like a shot, so it coats on the way down.

Fingers crossed that you can get the suspension, though.  It's far superior.

Good luck!

Denise

Posted 6/21/2014 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on the liquid suspension carafate cost 30 dollars on my plan for a month supply not bad ...better than the pill for coating the throat ...because one pill is reall hard to make a paste.....it's great stuff but the liquid does have parabens and simethicone in it and coloring which the pill does not ....if u need it for your throat too then get the liquid anyway....speaking from a person who eats organically ...oh well....but I have definitely notice bloating ....
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