Effect of sucralfate on gastric bicarbonate secretion in patients with duodenal ulcer.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Sucralfate is known to protect gastroduodenal mucosa and thereby facilitate healing of peptic ulcer. The mechanism of action of this drug is still not fully known. METHODS: We studied the effect of sucralfate treatment on gastric bicarbonate secretion in 16 patients with duodenal ulcer. RESULTS: Sucralfate administration (3 g daily for 4 weeks) stimulated bicarbonate secretion from 3.1 +/- 1.2 mmol/h to 4.6 +/- 2.0 mmol/h (p < 0.05). Gastric juice volume as well as non-parietal volume secretion also increased significantly after sucralfate therapy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sucralfate causes stimulation of non-parietal volume-dependent gastric bicarbonate secretion.