Sucralfate Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 18, 2024.

Applies to sucralfate: oral suspension, oral tablet.

Common side effects of sucralfate

Some side effects of sucralfate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• constipation

Rare side effects

• back ache
• bloated
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• headache
• hives, itching, skin rash
• indigestion
• passing gas
• sensation of spinning
• sleepiness
• stomach cramps
• trouble sleeping

Serious side effects of sucralfate

Along with its needed effects, sucralfate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking sucralfate:

Incidence not known

• blue lips and fingernails
• blurred vision
• chest pain
• cough
• coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• difficult, fast, noisy breathing
• difficulty in swallowing
• dry mouth
• feeling of fullness
• flushed, dry skin
• fruit-like breath odor
• hoarseness
• increased hunger
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• pale skin
• slow or irregular breathing
• stomach pain
• sweating
• swelling of the face, mouth, lips, or throat
• swelling of the legs and ankles
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing
• unexplained weight loss
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to sucralfate: compounding powder, oral suspension, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effect was constipation.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dry mouth, nausea
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bezoar formation
• Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, flatulence, gastric discomfort, indigestion, vomiting
• Postmarketing reports: Lip swelling, mouth edema^[Ref]

Bezoars were reported in patients with enteral feedings, delayed gastric emptying, and/or low birthweight neonates.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache
• Frequency not reported: Dizziness, drowsiness/sleepiness, encephalopathy, vertigo
• Postmarketing reports: Cerebral emboli^[Ref]

Encephalopathy occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.

Cerebral emboli occurred in patients receiving IV administration.^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Rash
• Frequency not reported: Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Face edema^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Back pain, osteodystrophy, osteomalacia^[Ref]

Osteodystrophy and osteomalacia occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction, hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea
• Postmarketing reports: Bronchospasm, laryngeal edema, pharyngeal edema, pulmonary emboli, respiratory tract edema^[Ref]

Pulmonary edema occurred after IV administration.^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Thirst
• Postmarketing reports: Face edema^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Anemia^[Ref]

Anemia occurred in patients with chronic renal impairment and/or on long-term treatment.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Insomnia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Hyperglycemia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Edema^[Ref]

Further information

Sucralfate side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer