Could a common ulcer drug prevent deadly bleeding after variceal treatment?

NCT ID NCT07679191

First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026

Summary

This trial tests whether applying sucralfate—a medication that forms a protective barrier over wounds—directly onto esophageal ulcers after variceal banding can speed healing and reduce rebleeding. The study includes adults with cirrhosis who have bleeding esophageal varices. Participants receive either standard care plus sucralfate (applied during endoscopy and taken orally for five days) or standard care alone. The goal is to see if sucralfate reduces ulcer size and prevents dangerous rebleeding.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

sucralfate

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, low-cost way to speed ulcer healing and prevent life-threatening rebleeding after variceal ligation in cirrhosis patients.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with 60 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Sucralfate may not significantly reduce bleeding, and some patients may have side effects like constipation.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

esophageal varices esophageal varices with bleeding ulcer disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

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