Used For

What Is Ulsanic 1000Mg Used For

What Is Ulsanic 1000Mg Used For?

Ulsanic 1000 mg is a high‑dose formulation of sucralfate, a medicine used in the management of various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, especially those involving ulcers and irritation of the stomach and upper intestine. It is commonly available in South Africa in tablet and suspension forms, and is generally taken on an empty stomach.

According to the South African Ulsanic patient information pamphlet from Aspen Pharmacare and the South African Medicines Formulary information reproduced on Mims / Drugs.com, Ulsanic (sucralfate) is mainly used for:

  • Treatment of active duodenal ulcers
  • Short‑term treatment of gastric ulcers
  • Maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence of duodenal ulcers
  • Management of gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) / reflux oesophagitis
  • Symptomatic relief and healing of stress ulcers and other upper GI erosions

These core uses are consistent across multiple pharmacological references and product information sources, including Aspen Pharmacare’s product description (as the manufacturer), the Drugs.com professional monograph for sucralfate, and South African prescribing references summarised on Mims South Africa / Drugs.com.

Below is a detailed, SEO‑optimised explanation of what Ulsanic 1000 mg is used for, how it works, and key safety considerations.

What Is Ulsanic 1000Mg?

Ulsanic is the brand name for sucralfate in South Africa. Sucralfate is classified as a gastro‑intestinal protectant or anti‑ulcer agent. It is not an acid‑suppressing drug like proton‑pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2‑blockers; instead, it works locally in the gut.

The Ulsanic 1000 mg tablet typically contains 1 g (1000 mg) sucralfate per tablet, designed for oral use. This strength is consistent with standard adult dosing regimens described in international references, such as the Drugs.com sucralfate dosage guide.

What Is Ulsanic 1000Mg Used For?

1. Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers

The primary indication for Ulsanic (sucralfate) is the treatment of active duodenal ulcers.

  • The professional monograph on Drugs.com notes that sucralfate is indicated for short‑term (up to 8 weeks) treatment of active duodenal ulcer.
  • Clinical references reproduced for the Ulsanic brand on Drugs.com’s international page confirm that the product is used for duodenal ulcer treatment.

How it helps:
Ulsanic 1000 mg forms a protective barrier over the ulcer surface, shielding it from stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which allows the tissue to heal.

2. Short‑Term Treatment of Gastric Ulcers

Although duodenal ulcers are the main indication, authoritative sources state that sucralfate is also used in short‑term treatment of gastric ulcers:

In this context, Ulsanic 1000 mg may be prescribed by healthcare professionals as part of a regimen to help healing of gastric ulcers, often alongside other therapies (such as eradication of Helicobacter pylori or acid‑suppressing medication) where indicated.

3. Maintenance Therapy to Prevent Recurrence of Duodenal Ulcers

Sucralfate is also used as maintenance therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence of duodenal ulcers after the initial ulcer has healed.

  • The Drugs.com monograph notes that sucralfate may be used at reduced doses for maintenance following healing of duodenal ulcers, to help prevent relapse.

In this setting, healthcare providers may choose a dosing schedule that continues beyond the acute healing phase, using the same Ulsanic 1000 mg strength but at a different frequency, depending on the clinical scenario.

4. Gastro‑Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Reflux Oesophagitis

Ulsanic 1000 mg is used to help manage symptoms and promote healing in gastro‑oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), particularly in reflux oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus caused by acid reflux).

In GERD, Ulsanic does not significantly reduce acid production, but instead coats and protects the oesophageal and gastric mucosa, which can:

  • Reduce pain and burning sensations
  • Promote healing of erosions and inflammation

Often, Ulsanic 1000 mg is combined with acid‑suppressive agents (such as PPIs or H2‑blockers) for more comprehensive GERD management, based on prescriber judgement.

5. Stress Ulcers and Upper Gastro‑Intestinal Erosions

Sucralfate is also used in hospitals to help prevent and treat stress‑related mucosal damage (stress ulcers) and upper GI erosions, especially in critically ill patients.

While these indications are more specialised and may involve different dosing strategies or formulations (including suspension), they are part of the broader clinical use profile of Ulsanic (sucralfate).

How Does Ulsanic 1000Mg Work?

The mechanism of action of sucralfate is well described in pharmacology references:

  • According to the Drugs.com monograph, sucralfate is a basic aluminium salt of sucrose octasulfate. In the acidic environment of the stomach, it undergoes cross‑linking to form a viscous, sticky paste that strongly adheres to ulcer sites and damaged mucosa.

Key points about how Ulsanic 1000 mg works:

  1. Local action:
    It works locally in the gut rather than being absorbed systemically in large amounts.

  2. Protective barrier:
    It forms a protective coating over ulcers and erosions, which:

    • Shields tissues from acid, pepsin, and bile salts
    • Provides a favourable environment for healing
  3. Binding of bile salts and pepsin:
    The barrier limits the damaging effects of these substances, as described in the Drugs.com pharmacology section.

  4. Minimal effect on acid secretion:
    Ulsanic (sucralfate) does not significantly reduce gastric acid secretion, which differentiates it from PPIs and H2‑blockers. It is therefore often used in combination with acid‑suppressing medicines.

Common Adult Doses for Ulsanic (Sucralfate)

Dosing specifics always depend on your doctor’s prescription, but standard guidance for sucralfate 1 g (1000 mg) tablets is consistent across pharmacology references:

  • The Drugs.com dosage guide describes the usual adult dose for active duodenal ulcer as:
    • 1 g (1000 mg) four times daily, or
    • 2 g (2000 mg) twice daily, for 4–8 weeks.
  • For maintenance of healed duodenal ulcers, it lists:
    • 1 g (1000 mg) twice daily.

These dosage regimens are used internationally and apply to sucralfate formulations such as Ulsanic 1000 mg, but in South Africa, prescribers will adapt to local guidelines and individual patient factors.

Always follow the directions on your South African package insert and your prescriber’s instructions.

How to Take Ulsanic 1000Mg

Usage instructions for sucralfate are consistent in international product information and practice guidelines:

  • The Drugs.com monograph notes that sucralfate is generally taken:
    • On an empty stomach
    • At least 1 hour before meals
    • With a full glass of water (for tablets), unless your healthcare provider advises differently.

This timing allows Ulsanic 1000 mg to form an optimal protective barrier before food and gastric secretions increase.

Patients should also be aware that sucralfate can interfere with absorption of several other medicines (discussed below), so spacing it from other oral drugs is important.

Side Effects of Ulsanic 1000Mg

The side‑effect profile of sucralfate (Ulsanic) is well‑documented:

  • The Drugs.com side effects section notes:
    • The most common side effect is constipation.
    • Other possible effects include dry mouth, nausea, gastric discomfort, indigestion, diarrhoea, and dizziness, though these are usually less frequent.

Because Ulsanic works mainly in the gut and has minimal systemic absorption, serious systemic side effects are relatively uncommon in patients with normal kidney function.

However, individuals with kidney (renal) impairment may be at higher risk of aluminium accumulation and toxicity, since sucralfate contains aluminium:

  • The Drugs.com monograph cautions about the use of sucralfate in patients with chronic renal failure or on dialysis, because of the aluminium content.

Important Drug Interactions

Ulsanic 1000 mg can reduce the absorption of several orally administered medicines, due to its ability to bind to them in the gut.

The Drugs.com interaction overview for sucralfate lists clinically significant interactions, including with:

  • Certain antibiotics (e.g. fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin, and tetracyclines)
  • Digoxin
  • Phenytoin
  • Theophylline
  • Some oral anticoagulants
  • Levothyroxine and others

To minimise interactions, references recommend:

  • Taking other oral medicines at least 2 hours before or after Ulsanic (sucralfate), unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you are taking so they can check for interactions.

Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Ulsanic?

Based on the safety information summarised in the Drugs.com monograph, several groups require special consideration:

  1. Patients with kidney impairment
    • Because Ulsanic contains aluminium, those with chronic kidney disease or on dialysis may be at risk of aluminium accumulation.
    • Use should be cautious and closely supervised by a healthcare professional.
  2. Patients with known hypersensitivity to sucralfate or its components
    • Ulsanic is contraindicated in those with a history of allergic reaction to sucralfate.
  3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
    • The Drugs.com pregnancy/breastfeeding information indicates that human data are limited; sucralfate is minimally absorbed, but its use in pregnancy or lactation should be based on a careful risk–benefit assessment by a doctor.
  4. Children
    • Evidence for use in paediatric populations is more limited; dosing and indications should be determined by a paediatric specialist where appropriate.

Key Points: What Is Ulsanic 1000Mg Used For?

Drawing together the authoritative information from Drugs.com’s sucralfate monograph and dosage guide and the international Ulsanic listing, Ulsanic 1000 mg is used for:

  • Short‑term treatment of active duodenal ulcers
  • Short‑term treatment of gastric ulcers (as part of a broader therapy plan)
  • Maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence of duodenal ulcers
  • Treatment of reflux oesophagitis and GERD‑related mucosal injury
  • Prevention and treatment of stress ulcers and upper GI erosions in specific clinical settings

It works by forming a protective barrier on damaged mucosa in the stomach and upper intestine, rather than by suppressing acid production.

When to See a Doctor

If you are considering Ulsanic 1000 mg, or already taking it, speak to a healthcare professional if:

  • Your pain, heartburn, or indigestion persists despite treatment
  • You develop black or tarry stools, vomiting of blood, or unexplained weight loss
  • You experience significant constipation, severe abdominal pain, or any new or worrying symptoms
  • You have kidney disease, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding

A doctor can confirm whether Ulsanic 1000 mg is appropriate for your condition, ensure it is safely combined with your other medicines, and guide the correct dosing schedule.

For more detailed professional information about Ulsanic (sucralfate), see the sucralfate monograph and dosage guidance on Drugs.com, which summarises the indications, dosing, pharmacology and safety data used internationally and relevant to products such as Ulsanic 1000 mg.

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