Should Sucralfate be Stopped if Symptoms Worsen?
I'm reaching out on behalf of my mother, who's 44 years old and currently doesn't have a doctor since our small town lacks proper medical resources. Five nights ago, we dined on pasta at Olive Garden, followed by pizza, and suddenly, she experienced severe stomach pain that left her unable to move, talk, or even stand. To make matters worse, she started vomiting every 40 minutes. This happened around five days ago, and we've since taken her to the emergency room three times. One visit resulted in a diagnosis of gastritis, while another suggested it could be a stomach ulcer. From my understanding, a CAT scan at the hospital that proposed gastritis may show gastritis as possibly mimicking a stomach ulcer. My mother suspects food poisoning. The emergency room advised her to seek a primary care physician, which is underway, but the hospital that diagnosed her with gastritis prescribed sucralfate to be taken four times daily. After two days on this medication, she has shown some improvement, but I’m skeptical about whether the medication is the actual cause. Interestingly, she often feels significantly better in the morning before taking the sucralfate. However, after she takes her first dose, she begins to vomit hourly and has struggled to keep down food or even small amounts of liquid throughout the day, despite taking all four doses. So I’m wondering, given her lack of improvement while on this medication, would it be acceptable for her to discontinue using it? I maintain my belief that she may have food poisoning, though she isn't experiencing a high fever, just intermittent chills and hot flashes. Unfortunately, it seems like it will take some time before she can see a doctor, and I haven't found any information explaining why someone might feel worse on sucralfate or whether it's advisable for her to stop taking it. Apologies for the lengthy post and any disorganization in my thoughts.
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 8:20:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your mother's health, especially given her recent experiences with severe stomach pain and vomiting. Sucralfate, while helpful for some digestive issues like gastritis and ulcers, may not be the best option for everyone, particularly if it seems to worsen her symptoms. Let’s break down the situation and consider the next steps.
Key Points:
- Sucralfate Use: Sucralfate is designed to help protect the stomach lining but can cause side effects in some individuals, including nausea and vomiting.
- Current Symptoms: Given your mother’s significant vomiting and discomfort after taking sucralfate, it is reasonable to question whether she should continue the medication.
- Next Steps: Monitor symptoms closely and consider stopping sucralfate if symptoms do not improve or worsen after administration.
Explanation:
Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over the stomach lining. Some people may experience side effects that include nausea or vomiting, especially if their stomach is already upset or irritated. If your mother feels better in the morning but experiences vomiting after taking sucralfate, it might indicate that the medication isn't agreeing with her right now.
Recommended Actions:
-
Discontinue Sucralfate: Given that she feels worse after taking sucralfate, it may be reasonable to stop the medication temporarily. Monitor her symptoms for a day or two after discontinuing to see if there is an improvement.
-
Hydration and Diet: Encourage her to stay hydrated. Small sips of clear fluids (like water or broth) can help. Avoid solid foods until she can tolerate liquids without vomiting.
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a daily log of her symptoms, noting when she feels better or worse, and any other relevant details (like food intake and timing of medications). This information can assist healthcare providers when she sees a doctor.
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Seek Primary Care: Since a primary care physician visit is being arranged, ensure that she sees one as soon as possible. They can help evaluate her condition and re-assess her treatment plan.
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Emergency Signs: If her symptoms worsen significantly (e.g., persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, severe pain, or new symptoms like blood in vomit), seek medical attention immediately.
Follow-Up:
Please keep track of any changes in her condition and reach out if she continues to struggle or if new symptoms arise. Your attentiveness can make a significant difference in her recovery.
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