SF 20mg Tablet is used in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and intestine. It contains the active ingredient sucralfate which promotes the healing of ulcers by forming a coating over them which acts as a physical barrier.
SF 20mg Tablet is taken one hour before meals preferably at bedtime in the dose and duration advised by the doctor. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen.
The most common side effect of SF 20mg Tablet are constipation and headache. To prevent constipation, take plenty of fluids while on treatment with this medicine. Dizziness and sleepiness may occasionally occur, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking SF 20mg Tablet inform the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine. Do not take antacids within two hours of taking SF 20mg Tablet.
Intestinal ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the intestine. SF 20mg Tablet is used to treat intestinal ulcers. SF 20mg Tablet works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach makes, preventing further damage to the ulcer, and heals naturally. SF 20mg Tablet also reduces pain and bleeding associated with intestinal ulcers. You may be given other medicines along with this medicine depending on what caused the ulcer. You need to keep taking SF 20mg Tablet as prescribed by the doctor for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.
In Treatment of Stomach ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that develop in the inner lining of the stomach. SF 20mg Tablet is used to treat stomach ulcers. SF 20mg Tablet covers the damaged ulcer tissue in the stomach and protects it against stomach acid or further injury. This helps ulcers heal more quickly. $also gives relief from pain and discomfort in the stomach associated with stomach ulcers. You need to keep taking the medicine as it is prescribed for it to be effective, even if the symptoms seem to disappear.
Side effects of SF Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of SF
Constipation
Headache
How to use SF Tablet
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. SF 20mg Tablet is to be taken empty stomach.
How SF Tablet works
SF 20mg Tablet forms a coating over the ulcer or any other raw surface. This creates a physical barrier that protects the ulcer/raw surface from the gastric acid or any other injury, allowing it to heal.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CAUTION
Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with SF 20mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
SF 20mg Tablet is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of SF 20mg Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
SF 20mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CAUTION
SF 20mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of SF 20mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of SF 20mg Tablet in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
What if you forget to take SF Tablet?
If you miss a dose of SF 20mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking this medication.
Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as SF 20mg Tablet can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
It may take 4-6 weeks or more for the ulcers to heal completely. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
Inform your doctor if you have a kidney disorder.
Take SF 20mg Tablet on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before a meal.
SF 20mg Tablet aids in healing of ulcers in the stomach and intestine.
Take it on an empty stomach, preferably 1 hour before a meal.
Do not take antacids 30 minutes before or after taking this medication.
Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as SF 20mg Tablet can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
It may take 4-6 weeks or more for the ulcers to heal completely. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
Inform your doctor if you have a kidney disorder.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Disaccharide Sulfates
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
GASTRO INTESTINAL
Action Class
Anti-Ulcerants
Interaction with drugs
Taking SF with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Sucralfate may decrease the absorption of Norfloxacin.
Ensure a gap of at least 2 hours between taking Norfloxacin and Sucralfate. Your doctor may monitor your treatment and adjus... More
Sucralfate may decrease the absorption of Levofloxacin.
Ensure a gap of at least 2 hours between taking Levofloxacin and Sucralfate. Your doctor may monitor your treatment and adj... More
Sucralfate may decrease the absorption of Ofloxacin.
Ensure a gap of at least 2 hours between taking Ofloxacin and Sucralfate. Your doctor may monitor your treatment and adjust th... More
I got angioplasty fine in Dec 2016 and am on medication as prescribed. Since last two months I am having constipation problems and have to exert to pass stool
Heartburn Mental disorder Depression Frequent persistent heartburn Gastroesophageal reflux disease Irritable bowel syndrome Indigestion Back flow of acid from stomach Difficulty in swallowing Inflammation of esophagus Excess acid secretion by stomach Intestinal or stomach ulcers
Dr. Sunil Sekhri
Diabetology
You need to be examined in clinic to reach a diagnosis and then appropriate medicine can be prescribed
It is advisable to avoid taking antacids within 30 minutes of taking SF 20mg Tablet since this medicine can decrease the absorption of some antacids if taken together.
How long after taking SF 20mg Tablet can I eat?
SF 20mg Tablet must be taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Does SF 20mg Tablet work immediately?
No, it takes around one to two weeks for the medicine to heal an ulcer of the stomach or intestine. But continue taking SF 20mg Tablet for the duration as prescribed by your doctor for complete healing.
Does SF 20mg Tablet cause constipation?
Yes, constipation is one of the common side effects of SF 20mg Tablet. Include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.
Is SF 20mg Tablet an antibiotic/sulfa drug/pain-killer/PPI?
SF 20mg Tablet is not an antibiotic/sulfa drug/ PPI (proton-pump inhibitor) or a pain-killer. It is an ulcer protective medicine
Is SF 20mg Tablet available or sold over the counter?
No. SF 20mg Tablet is a prescription drug. It is not available or sold over the counter
Is SF 20mg Tablet gluten free?
Yes. SF 20mg Tablet is gluten free. However, please refer to package insert of the prescribed brand before use
Is SF 20mg Tablet safe?
Yes. SF 20mg Tablet is relatively safe if used as recommended. In case of any side-effects, consult your doctor
Can I take SF 20mg Tablet with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen/Pepto?
Yes. SF 20mg Tablet can be taken with Prilosec/Nexium/ Tylenol/Zantac/ibuprofen and Pepto if prescribed by your doctor
Does SF 20mg Tablet cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia/ heartburn?
SF 20mg Tablet does not cause headaches/weight gain/insomnia or heartburn. If you experience any such symptoms, please consult your doctor
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
References
Wallace JL, Sharkey KA. Pharmacotherapy of Gastric Acidity, Peptic Ulcers, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1315.
McQuaid KR. Drugs Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. pp. 1075-76.
Sucralfate. Bridgewater, NJ: Aptalis Pharma US; Mar. 2013. [Accessed on 28 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006. Sucralfate. [Updated 2018 Oct 31]. [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020] (online) Available from:
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). [Accessed 28 Mar. 2019] (online) Available from:
Sucralfate [Drug Label]. Irvine, CA: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2017. [Accessed 06 Apr. 2024] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: West-Coast Pharmaceutical Works Ltd
Address: Meldi Estate, Near Prasang Party, Sayona City, Road, Gota, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 382481