When treating your horse with sucralfate, dosage timing is very important. 

This is because sucralfate takes time to absorb into the horse's system to create a barrier of defence around ulcers.

Ideally, sucralfate is given at least 30 minutes before giving a feed and/or other medications.

 

What is Sucralfate and why is it used?

Sucralfate is a sucrose octasulfate hydroxy aluminium salt that functions by attaching to the mucosal lining of the colon and stomach. It acts as a band-aid over ulcerated tissue, shielding ulcerative craters from more harm from stomach acid and digestive enzymes.

Sucralfate medication promotes healing of the stomach lining and pain relief. Sucralfate is administered to heal glandular & pyloric ulcers as well as those in the right dorsal colon and hindgut of horses.

Due to its minimal long-term side effects, sucralfate has been used as an ongoing ulcer treatment for horses.

 

Timing suggestions for Sucralfate dosage:

The timing is to prevent interactions with other medications or supplements as it can interfere with the metabolism and absorption of sucralfate.

Sucralfate can be administered with water, or hidden in treats – banana, carrot or small amounts of feed (chaff).

For most people this means offering sucralfate in a tiny feed, hidden in a treat or syringed directly over the tongue - and then waiting 30 minutes to offer a main meal (which may or may not include additional medications or supplements). 

Ideal sucralfate dosage for horses?

Average Horse (500 kg/1100lb) :  3 x sachets up to 3 times a day

Average Pony:  (400kg/   880lb) :  2 x sachets up to 3 times a day

 

*3 doses a day is the optimum amount - and for some people, that’s just not possible.

Don't stress the 3 times per day dose, sucralfate will still be effective with 2 doses per day.

Here is a handy dosage calculator to work out the ideal dose for your horse by weight.

 

Sucralfate dosage for horses: for how long?

Hindgut and glandular ulcers can take up to 6 weeks or longer to heal.

Each Sucralfate dose is effective for 6 to 8 hours. Treatment normally is for up to 21- 28 days and then follow up with a maintenance dose for the best results.

Maintenance doses are half of the treatment doses or at least one sachet/scoop per day ongoing.  

Where can I get sucralfate for horses?

Sucralfate is available to purchase from our website without a prescription. Visit the AbSucralfate product page for pricing, quantities and more information.