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PetDosageChart

Carafate (Sucralfate) Dosage for Cats

GI protectant / Mucosal coating agent ⏱ Onset: 30 minutes (forms protective coating) ⏳ Duration: 6-8 hours

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

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Carafate Dosage Chart for Cats by Weight

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Weight Low Dose Standard Dose Max Dose Frequency
3 lbs (1.4 kg) 70mg 105mg 140mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
4 lbs (1.8 kg) 90mg 135mg 180mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 115mg 172.5mg 230mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
6 lbs (2.7 kg) 135mg 202.5mg 270mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
7 lbs (3.2 kg) 160mg 240mg 320mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
8 lbs (3.6 kg) 180mg 270mg 360mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
9 lbs (4.1 kg) 205mg 307.5mg 410mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 225mg 337.5mg 450mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
12 lbs (5.4 kg) 270mg 405mg 540mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
14 lbs (6.3 kg) 315mg 472.5mg 630mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
16 lbs (7.3 kg) 365mg 547.5mg 730mg every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
18 lbs (8.2 kg) 410mg 615mg 820mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 455mg 682.5mg 910mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 565mg 847.5mg (1000mg tablet) 1130mg (1000mg tablet) every 8-12 hours on empty stomach

What is Carafate (Sucralfate) used for in cats?

gastric ulcers esophagitis post-doxycycline esophageal damage stress ulcers GI erosion protection

How to give Carafate to your cat

Give sucralfate on an EMPTY stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. It works by forming a physical protective coating over ulcerated tissue, so it must contact the stomach lining directly. For cats, quarter a 1000 mg tablet (250 mg per dose) or use a liquid suspension. The tablet can be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water to form a slurry for easier administration via syringe. It is especially important after doxycycline administration, which can cause severe esophagitis in cats if it gets stuck in the esophagus.

Available Forms

tablet, liquid suspension

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side effects of Carafate in cats

Common side effects

constipation
decreased appetite
mild nausea
dry mouth

Serious side effects

  • aluminum toxicity (rare, with renal failure)
  • severe constipation
  • bezoar formation (rare)
  • intestinal obstruction (rare)

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your cat shows any of these signs:

  • Black or tarry stools (continuing GI bleeding)
  • Severe constipation or straining with no stool
  • Persistent vomiting despite treatment
  • Blood in vomit
  • Weakness or pale gums (sign of anemia from blood loss)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is sucralfate important after giving doxycycline to cats?
Doxycycline capsules and tablets can become lodged in a cat's esophagus and cause severe esophageal strictures (scarring and narrowing). This is a well-known and serious risk in cats. Sucralfate can help protect and heal esophageal tissue if irritation has occurred. Always follow doxycycline with water or food to ensure it reaches the stomach, and consider using liquid doxycycline for cats.
How do I dose sucralfate for a cat?
The typical dose is 250-500 mg per cat (one-quarter to one-half of a 1000 mg tablet) given every 8-12 hours on an empty stomach. You can quarter the tablet or crush it and mix with a small amount of water to create a slurry that can be given by syringe. Liquid suspensions are also available from compounding pharmacies.
Can sucralfate be given with other medications?
Sucralfate can bind to and reduce absorption of many other drugs. Give it at least 2 hours apart from other oral medications, especially antibiotics like enrofloxacin, tetracyclines, and acid reducers like omeprazole. Ask your vet about specific timing with your cat's other medications.
How long does a cat need to take sucralfate?
Treatment duration depends on the condition being treated. For acute esophagitis, 1-2 weeks is typical. For gastric ulcers, 2-4 weeks may be needed. Your vet will determine the appropriate duration. Sucralfate has minimal systemic absorption, making it very safe for short to medium-term use.
Is sucralfate safe for cats with kidney disease?
Use with caution in cats with significant kidney disease. Sucralfate contains aluminum, which is normally excreted by the kidneys. In cats with severely compromised kidney function, aluminum can accumulate and potentially cause toxicity. Your vet will weigh the benefits against this risk.