Urinary excretion of aluminium after ingestion of sucralfate and an aluminium-containing antacid in man.

Eleven subjects with normal renal function were given, on 2 separate days, at least 1 week apart, four tablets of sucralfate or an aluminium (Al)-containing antacid. The total Al load was approximately 976 mg with the antacid and approximately 828 mg with sucralfate. The daily urinary excretion of Al was measured the day before and during 3 days after drug administration. Al excretion increased significantly after both drugs. There was no significant difference between the two products. The median absorption calculated as percentage of Al dose was 0.005% (range, 0.001-0.017%) for sucralfate and 0.006% (range, 0.002-0.060%) for the antacid. Thus, measurable quantities of aluminium is absorbed after administration of sucralfate, and the drug should, like Al-containing antacids, be given with caution to patients with renal failure.