Gastric Ulcers and Sucralfate
July 21, 2008
Sucralfate acts by providing a barrier over the area to protect the mucosa from acid attack, inhibit activity of the digestive enzyme pepsin in gastric juices, and absorb bile acids. Journal of Physiological Pharmacology reported on laboratory studies supporting this treatment and further documented immune-mediated activity that suppressed the death of mucosal cells. According to investigators, this suggests that sucralfate might also be helpful in the stomach.
In an article on gastric and duodenal ulcers during pregnancy in Gastrointestinal Clinics of North America reported that physicians often have to treat dyspepsia (pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of your stomach) or heartburn (stomach contents coming back up into your throat). It is initially treated with dietary or lifestyle modifications. If symptoms do not remit, your physician may recommend sucralfate or antacids. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology reported that sucralfate has been effective in healing both duodenal and gastric ulcers together with mild esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus), and it is safe for both short-term use and maintenance. Investigators believe that its potential advantages lie in the better quality of ulcer healing associated with longer duration of remission.
