When should sucralfate (Carafate) be administered to a client with a gastric ulcer?

Sucralfate (Carafate) is designed to coat the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and provide a protective barrier over ulcers, thereby promoting healing. It is important for sucralfate to be administered on an empty stomach to maximize its binding capacity to the ulcer and minimize interference with food intake.

The correct timing for administering sucralfate is to give it one hour before meals and at bedtime. This schedule ensures that the medication is present in the gastrointestinal tract when it is most effective, not hindered by the presence of food, which can interfere with its action. By taking sucralfate before meals, the medication can attach to the ulcer surface effectively, allowing for optimal therapeutic benefit.

While administering sucralfate at bedtime is important for continued protection throughout the night, taking it before meals also facilitates its mechanism of action, thereby promoting healing more effectively than if administered at other times.