Sucralfate & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Carafate, Antepsin. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Sucralfate has been associated with depletion of PHOSPHATE SALTS. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Sucralfate long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Sucralfate pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Sucralfate
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
PHOSPHATE SALTS
Moderate DepletionSUCRALFATE
Sucralfate has phosphate binding properties. Doses of 6-17 grams daily have been used to reduce elevated phosphate levels in patients with kidney failure. In people with normal kidney function, there is a risk of hypophosphatemia if large doses of 6 grams daily or more are used for prolonged periods.
Sucralfate works in the gut by binding to certain substances, and phosphate, a mineral your bones, muscles, and energy systems depend on, is one of them. At the higher doses sometimes used in kidney disease (6 grams a day or more), that binding action can pull phosphate out of your digestive tract before your body gets a chance to absorb it. For most people taking a standard short-term course, this is unlikely to be a real concern, but if you use sucralfate long-term or at higher doses, it is worth asking your pharmacist or doctor whether your phosphate levels should be checked.
Learn more about this nutrient: Phosphate Salts — uses, safety & interactions
References (2)
- Roxe DM, Mistovich M, Barch DH. Phosphate-binding effects of sucralfate in patients with chronic renal failure. Am J Kidney Dis 1989;13:194-9. PubMed
- Leung AC, Henderson IS, Halls DJ, Dobbie JW. Aluminium hydroxide versus sucralfate as a phosphate binder in uraemia. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1983;286:1379-81. PubMed
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Sucralfate
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Sucralfate & nutrients: FAQs
Does Sucralfate deplete PHOSPHATE SALTS?
Should I take a supplement because I take Sucralfate?
Should I stop taking Sucralfate?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Sucralfate and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Sucralfate are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.