A nurse is caring for a client receiving sucralfate (Carafate) for the treatment of a duodenal ulcer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?
A.
“Take the medication on an empty stomach.”
B.
“Chew the medication thoroughly before swallowing.”
C.
“Avoid taking antacids within 30 minutes of this medication.”
D.
“Take the medication at bedtime.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. “Take the medication on an empty stomach.”
Explanation:
Sucralfate (Carafate) is a medication commonly used to treat duodenal ulcers. It works by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer, which shields it from stomach acid and promotes healing. For sucralfate to be most effective, it is important that it adheres properly to the ulcer and forms a protective coating. Therefore, the timing and method of administration are crucial.
- Taking Sucralfate on an Empty Stomach:
- Sucralfate is best absorbed and most effective when taken on an empty stomach, ideally about 1 hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. This is because the presence of food in the stomach can interfere with the drug’s ability to bind to the ulcer. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures that sucralfate can adhere directly to the ulcer without being diluted or interfered with by food or other substances in the stomach.
- Chewing the Medication Thoroughly:
- Sucralfate tablets are not designed to be chewed. They should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. Chewing the tablets can alter the release and effectiveness of the medication. Sucralfate is intended to dissolve in the stomach where it can then form a gel-like substance that adheres to the ulcer. Thus, chewing is not recommended.
- Avoiding Antacids:
- Antacids can interfere with the absorption of sucralfate. However, the recommendation to avoid antacids within 30 minutes of sucralfate is not as critical as the timing of sucralfate itself. Antacids can indeed neutralize stomach acid, which could impact the effectiveness of sucralfate, but the primary focus should be on the proper administration timing of sucralfate.
- Taking the Medication at Bedtime:
- Although some medications are best taken at bedtime, this is not a specific instruction for sucralfate. The most important aspect is taking it on an empty stomach, as this allows for optimal binding and effectiveness.
In summary, for sucralfate to effectively treat a duodenal ulcer, the nurse should instruct the client to take the medication on an empty stomach. This ensures that the drug can adhere properly to the ulcer, providing the maximum therapeutic benefit.