Key takeaways
Ranitidine (Zantac) and sucralfate (Carafate) are both medications used to treat stomach conditions, but they work in different ways and belong to different medication classes. Ranitidine is a histamine H2 antagonist that was used to treat heartburn, stomach and intestinal ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing stomach acid. However, it has been discontinued in the United States due to concerns about an impurity that could cause cancer. On the other hand, sucralfate is an antiulcer medication that treats duodenal ulcers by forming a protective barrier over the ulcer, allowing it to heal. Sucralfate is available by prescription and comes in both tablet and liquid forms, while ranitidine was available in oral and injectable forms before its recall. Sucralfate must be taken on an empty stomach up to four times a day, and it can interact with other medications, requiring careful timing of doses. Common side effects of sucralfate include constipation. Unlike ranitidine, sucralfate is still available as a generic medication.
