Esophageal symptoms occur when the gastro-esophageal refluxate interacts with the mucosal epithelium resulting in epithelial barrier disruption and inflammation. 1 Cytoprotective agent helps form a protective layer over the epithelium, and shield it from acids and enzymes. 2 Sucralfate, a salt of sucrose sulfate and aluminum hydroxide, acts as a mucosal defense. It creates a functional barrier to block the dissemination of acid, pepsin, and bile acids through esophageal mucosa.
Sucralfate is generally used as an add-on medication in GERD therapy. 3 Sucralfate's advantages are- Regeneration of mucosa 3 Healing of ulcers 3 Reducing reflux symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis 3 A safe option for pregnant women due to low maternal adverse events and teratogenicity 3 In this video, Prof. Daniel Hollander discusses the cytoprotective mechanism of sucralfate in GERD . He also…
