AbSucralfate™

Symptoms of ulcers can be subtle or outwardly noticeable. A change from being well mannered to suddenly being difficult to handle, girthy, off feed, poor performance in the ring, grinding teeth, to a dull coat and of a general lacklustre demeanor are a good indication of equine ulcers.

Regime: Length of administration depends on the condition, severity and type of ulcer being treated. The following dosage example is based on a horse weighing 450kg (990lb)

Non Glandular - Squamous Ulcers

• Loading or active treatment dose:
  • Week 1 - 4: Omeprazole (AbPrazole™ or AbPrazole Plus™) - 2 x sachets, once per day x 28 days.
  • Week 1 - 3: Sucralfate (AbSucralfate™) - 3 x sachets, at least 2 times per day for up to 21 days

• Maintenance or preventative dose:
  • Sucralfate: Gradually reduce to 1 x sachet, at least once per day.
  • Omeprazole: Gradually reduce to 1 x sachet, once per day.

Glandular Ulcers

Studies indicate omeprazole or sucralfate as a sole treatment is not an effective treatment. Its recommended both omeprazole and sucralfate* be administered to treat glandular ulcers, if bacteria has caused ulcers, antibiotic therapy maybe required for healing.
Furthermore, it is recommended to find the cause of the glandular ulcer before continuing treatment long term.

• Loading or active treatment dose:
  • Week 1 - 6*: Omeprazole (AbPrazole™ or AbPrazole Plus™) - 2 x sachets, once per day
  • Week 6 - 8: Omeprazole (AbPrazole™ or AbPrazole Plus™) - 2 x sachets, once per day (if required)
  • Week 1 - 3*: Sucralfate (AbSucralfate™) - 3 x sachets, at least two times per day
  • Week 3 - 8: Sucralfate (AbSucralfate™) - 2 x sachets, at least two times per day

• Maintenance or preventative dose:
  • Ongoing: Sucralfate 1 x sachet, at least twice per day.

Hindgut/Colonic Ulcers - Right Dorsal Colitis

Sucralfate has not been clinically proven to heal colonic ulcers. However, sucralfate is well known as a cytoprotective agent. It binds to GI mucosa, and acts as a "band-aid" to the ulcer crater, offering relief from pain associated with ulcers.

• Recommended dosage:
  • Week 1 - 6: Sucralfate (AbSucralfate™) - 3 x sachets, at least two times per day
  • Ongoing: Sucralfate (AbSucralfate™) - 1 x sachets, at least two times per day

Administration: Sucralfate** should be administered 30-60 minutes apart from other medication including omeprazole (and any other medications).

• Sprinkled onto a small feed (i.e. a few handfuls of moistened chaff).
• Mixed with water and administered via oral syringe.
• Mixed into a paste and smeared onto apples or carrots.

If a dose is missed, give as soon as possible, if next dose is within a few hours of the normal schedule, wait, and give at the regular time. Do not double the dose.

*Long term use: There is minimal absorption of sucralfate. Side effects from long term use are rare.
*Interactions: Sucralfate has been known to bind with other medications, therefore,sucralfate should be administered 30-60 minutes apart from other medication including omeprazole (and any other medications).
*First dose is most effective given in the morning when stomach is less likely to be as full.