SUCRALFATE: GASTRIC-DUODENAL MUCOSAL PROTECTIVE AGENT

An alternative to cimetidine in peptic ulcer treatment 1 Sucralfate is newly marketed (in the US) for the treatment of duodenal ulcers. This complex of sulphated sucrose and aluminium

hydroxide forms a protein complex at the ulcer site, which protects it from acid, pepsin and bile. Two recent trials have shown

that a 4-week course of sucralfate is effective in decreasing diurnal and nocturnal pain and promoting healing compared with placebo. Comparison of cimetidine (1 g I day) ~d sucralfate (t g qid) has shown improved healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers

with sucralfate (83% vs 71% at 6 weeks, and 100% vs 86% at 12 weeks) and similar relapse rates for both drugs. Another

study of sucralfate for 9 months ( l.25g/ day) showed a lower relapse rate than placebo (3 7 % vs 7 8 % ). Sucralfate is not absorbed

from the gastrointestinal tract and, unlike cimetidine, has not produced significant toxicity or drug interactions. Side effects are

relatively minor- constipation (2-4% ), and dry mouth, skin rash, nausea and dizziness occasionally. It may alter tetracycline

absorption, and antacids may affect its ability to bind at the ulcer site. It is therefore an alternative to cimetidine in the treatment of

duodenal ulcers and in those displaying adverse effects or who are unresponsive to cimetidine. The possibility of combined

sucralfate-cimetidine therapy remains to' be investigated. Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy 16:496 (Jun 1982)

4 INPHARMA 19Jun 1982 0156-2703/82/0619-0004/0$01.00/0 © ADIS Press