How Does Carafate Drug Cure Ulcers?

Posted on Mon, 14 Oct 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 14 Oct 2013 Answered on

Wed, 6 Nov 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, how does Carafate cure ulcers?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It forms a protective barrier over the ulcer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
Carafate is a drug used mainly for the treatment of active duodenal ulcers. It is also used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and stress ulcers.
It works by forming a protective barrier over the stomach ulcer which protects it from irritants such as gastric acid or bile. This allows the ulcer to heal and reduces the pain.
When used for duodenal ulcers, treatment may last 8 weeks. Serious side-effects are very rare. Constipation occurs in about 3% of patients.
I hope this has helped you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,.
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar