Antepsin
Form: Tablet
Strength: 1gm
Generic Name: Sucralfate
Company: Kemiko Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
MRP:৳ 5.52 (Tablet)
Is Antibiotic: No
Indications
Antepsin is used in adults and adolescents over 14 years old to treat:
- Duodenal ulcer
- Gastric ulcer
- Chronic gastritis
- Prevent gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers in seriously ill patients.
Pharmacology
Antepsin is a non-systemic drug, meaning Antepsin is barely absorbed into the body and is mostly excreted in the urine. Antepsin helps heal gastric and duodenal ulcers by creating a protective barrier at the ulcer site. Additionally, Antepsin reduces the effects of pepsin and bile.
Dosage & Administration
Duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, chronic gastritis: Adults should take 2 gm of Sucralfate twice daily (in the morning and at bedtime), or 1 gm four times a day (1 hour before meals and at bedtime). The maximum daily dose is 8 gm, but in some cases, Antepsin may be used for up to twelve weeks.
Pediatric population: Antepsin is not safe for children under 14 years old.
Elderly: No special dosage is needed, but the lowest effective dose should be used.
Prophylaxis of gastrointestinal bleeding from stress ulcers: Adults should take 1 gm of Sucralfate 4 to 6 times a day, either orally or through a nasogastric tube. If given through a nasogastric tube, rinse Antepsin with 10 ml of water after each dose. Treatment should generally last no more than 14 days. Take Sucralfate on an empty stomach, and avoid antacids within 30 minutes of taking Antepsin.
Interaction
Taking Sucralfate with certain drugs may lower their effectiveness. These include Fluoroquinolones (like Ciprofloxacin), Tetracycline, Ketoconazole, Sulpiride, Digoxin, Warfarin, Phenytoin, Theophylline, Levothyroxine, Quinidine, and H2 blockers. To avoid this, take these drugs at least 2 hours apart from Sucralfate. Antepsin should not be taken with citrate preparations as Antepsin may increase the level of aluminium in the body. If you are using Sucralfate for stress ulcer prevention, take Antepsin one hour apart from enteral feeds if given through a nasogastric tube.
Contraindications
Antepsin should not be used by patients who are allergic to Sucralfate.
Side Effects
The most common side effects are headache, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and skin rash. Bezoar formation (a mass of undigested food) can occur in patients with conditions that affect stomach emptying or those who are on tube feedings. Diabetic patients may also experience high blood sugar levels.
Pregnancy & Lactation
The safety of Sucralfate during pregnancy has not been confirmed, so Antepsin should only be used if necessary. Antepsin is also unknown if Sucralfate is passed through breast milk, so caution should be used when Antepsin is given to breastfeeding women.
Precautions & Warnings
Antepsin should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, as Antepsin may lead to higher absorption of aluminium. Antepsin is not recommended for use in dialysis patients. Be cautious with patients who have severe kidney problems, as long-term use could lead to aluminium-related health issues like bone problems or anemia. Periodic tests for aluminium, phosphate, calcium, and alkaline phosphatase are advised for these patients. Bezoars may form in severely ill patients, especially those with conditions that slow down stomach emptying or those receiving enteral feedings.
Overdose Effects
Most cases of Sucralfate overdose do not show symptoms, but some may experience abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Animal studies with very high doses did not show any lethal effects. Therefore, the risk of overdose is minimal.
Therapeutic Class
Chelating complex
Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.
Similar Brands of Sucralfate (Tablet – 1gm)
| Brand Name | Form | Strength | Company | MRP (৳) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastalfet 1000 | Tablet | 1gm | Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 6.0 |
| Protecto 1000 | Tablet | 1gm | Eskayef Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 6.0 |
| Ucrafate | Tablet | 1gm | Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Ltd. | 6.0 |
| Ulsec | Tablet | 1gm | Asiatic Laboratories Ltd. | 5.5 |