Sucralfate is a site-protective ulcer healing drug with a remarkable r
ange of mechanisms of action. Recent studies highlight the capacity of
sucralfate to bind basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and deliver
it in high concentration to the ulcer. Basic fibroblast growth factor
stimulates the production of granulation tissue, angiogenesis and re-e
pithelization, thus improving the quality of ulcer healing. The effect
of sucralfate in reducing parietal cell sensitivity may be another fa
ctor important in the lower relapse rate demonstrated after duodenal u
lcer healing. Sucralfate has been demonstrated to be efficacious in he
aling both duodenal and gastric ulcers together with mild oesophagitis
, and it is safe for both short-term use and maintenance. In stress ul
cer prophylaxis it is as effective as acid suppression or neutralizati
on and has the advantage of lesser rates of nosocomial pneumonia than
are demonstrated with antacids or H2 antagonists. The potential advant
ages of sucralfate lie in the better quality of ulcer healing associat
ed with longer duration of remission.