From the Guidelines
Both sucralfate and omeprazole can potentially cause dizziness and fatigue as side effects, though these symptoms are not among the most common reactions to either medication. If you're experiencing dizziness and fatigue while taking these medications, you should contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. Sucralfate (often sold as Carafate) works by forming a protective coating over ulcers to promote healing, while omeprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) reduces stomach acid production. The dizziness and fatigue might be more commonly associated with omeprazole than sucralfate, as suggested by the lack of evidence supporting the concurrent administration of sucralfate and acid suppressants for stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults 1. These symptoms could also result from the underlying condition being treated or from taking both medications together. Your doctor might recommend taking omeprazole before meals and sucralfate at least 30 minutes after meals to minimize potential interactions. Staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol while on these medications may help reduce dizziness. Some key points to consider when taking these medications include:
- The importance of discussing any symptoms with your healthcare provider
- The potential for dizziness and fatigue as side effects
- The need to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol
- The possibility of adjusting dosage or switching to alternative medications if symptoms are severe or persistent It's also worth noting that the most recent guideline for the prevention of stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding in critically ill adults does not support the concurrent administration of sucralfate and acid suppressants 1, which may be relevant when considering treatment options. In terms of minimizing potential interactions, taking omeprazole before meals and sucralfate at least 30 minutes after meals may be beneficial, as suggested by general principles of medication administration. Ultimately, the decision to adjust treatment should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, taking into account the individual's specific symptoms and medical history.
From the FDA Drug Label
Additional adverse reactions that were reported with an incidence ≥1% included ... dizziness (2%), ... asthenia (1%) [reference_id: 2] Adverse reactions to sucralfate tablets in clinical trials were minor and only rarely led to discontinuation of the drug... Nervous System:dizziness, insomnia, sleepiness, vertigo [reference_id: 3] Dizziness and fatigue can be associated with both omeprazole and sucralafate.
- Omeprazole has been reported to cause dizziness (2%) and asthenia (1%) 2.
- Sucralafate has been reported to cause dizziness and other nervous system effects such as insomnia, sleepiness, and vertigo 3. It is essential to monitor patients for these adverse effects when taking either medication.
From the Research
Sucralfate and Omeprazole: Dizziness and Fatigue
- The provided studies do not directly address the topic of dizziness and fatigue associated with sucralfate and omeprazole 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
- However, it is known that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole can have side effects, but the studies provided focus more on their effectiveness in treating reflux esophagitis and preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced ulcers and dyspepsia.
- Sucralfate is mentioned in some studies as a gastroprotective compound, but its comparison with omeprazole in terms of side effects like dizziness and fatigue is not explicitly discussed 7, 8.
- The studies suggest that PPIs are effective in reducing gastric acid secretion and healing oesophagitis, but they do not provide information on the specific side effects of dizziness and fatigue associated with sucralfate and omeprazole 4, 5, 6.
- Further research would be needed to determine the relationship between sucralfate, omeprazole, and side effects like dizziness and fatigue.