Acamprosate (Campral): Uses, Safety, and Key Facts
Quick summary Acamprosate is an active ingredient used to help maintain abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients. In the United States, the brand name mentioned in the source is Campral. It is taken by mouth and...
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.
Quick summary
- Acamprosate is an active ingredient used to help maintain abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients.
- In the United States, the brand name mentioned in the source is Campral.
- It is taken by mouth and is described as being used together with psychotherapy.
- Important safety points include kidney function, mood monitoring, and checking the official leaflet for full guidance.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It does not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or the official patient information leaflet. Do not use this page to diagnose a condition or to change any treatment plan.
What is acamprosate?
Acamprosate is a medicine ingredient used in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The source content identifies acamprosate calcium as the ingredient, and notes that the U.S. brand name is Campral.
Its main role, based on the source, is to help with maintenance of abstinence in people with alcohol dependence. The original content also states that it should be combined with psychotherapy.
How acamprosate works
The source describes acamprosate as acting on brain signaling involved in alcohol dependence. In particular, it is described as:
- a GABA transmission inhibitor, and
- an antagonist of excitatory amino acids, especially glutamate.
In simple terms, it is presented as helping to balance neurotransmitter activity associated with alcohol withdrawal and recovery.
What is acamprosate used for?
According to the source, acamprosate is used for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients. It is not presented here as a stand-alone solution; the original content says it should be used together with psychotherapy.
How it is taken
The source states that acamprosate is taken orally. It also notes that taking it with meals can reduce bioavailability compared with fasting administration, so the original content recommends taking it before meals.
| Source information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Oral |
| Food effect | Meals may reduce bioavailability compared with fasting administration |
| Use with other care | The source says it should be combined with psychotherapy |
Dosage information from the source
The original content provides the following oral dosing information:
- Patients over 60 kg: 666 mg every 8 hours.
- Patients under 60 kg: 1,332 mg in 3 doses: 666 mg in the morning, 333 mg at midday, and 333 mg at night.
- Recommended duration: 1 year.
Because dosing can depend on the person and the product label, readers should verify the exact regimen with the official leaflet or a qualified healthcare professional.
Who should not use it according to the source?
The source lists the following contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to acamprosate
- Altered renal function with serum creatinine > 120 micromol/L
- Lactating women
Warnings and precautions
The original content highlights several situations where extra caution is needed:
- Severe liver failure: safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Under 18 years of age: safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Over 65 years of age: safety and efficacy have not been established.
- Depression and suicide monitoring: the source advises monitoring symptoms in patients with alcohol dependence.
Liver failure
The source says to use caution in severe liver failure because safety and efficacy have not been established.
Kidney failure
The source lists kidney failure as a contraindication.
Drug interactions
The source reports that acamprosate has been safely administered in clinical studies with several medicine groups, including:
- antidepressants
- anxiolytics
- hypnotics
- sedatives
- non-opioid analgesics
It also states that pharmacokinetic studies did not reveal interactions with diazepam, disulfiram, or imipramine.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
For pregnancy, the source says there is not enough data. Animal studies did not show reproductive toxicity, but the human risk is unknown and a risk/benefit assessment is needed.
For breastfeeding, the source says acamprosate is known to be excreted in milk in lactating animals, but it is not known whether it passes into human breast milk. The original content also states that there are no adequate data in children and therefore this active ingredient should not be given to breastfeeding women.
Effects on driving and machines
The source says the influence on the ability to drive and use machines is nil or negligible.
Possible adverse reactions
The original content lists the following side effects:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- flatulence
- itching
- maculopapular rash
- frigidity
- impotence
- decreased libido
If any symptom is severe, persistent, or worrying, the official leaflet and a healthcare professional should be consulted.
What to verify in the official leaflet
If you are reading about acamprosate for the first time, it is useful to confirm the following in the official product information:
- the exact brand and formulation
- the prescribed dose and schedule
- kidney-related restrictions
- any warnings related to mood or mental health
- use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- all listed side effects and interactions
FAQ
▸ What is acamprosate used for?
The source says it is used for the maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients and should be combined with psychotherapy.
▸ What is the brand name of acamprosate in the U.S.?
The current source identifies the U.S. brand name as Campral.
▸ Should acamprosate be taken with food?
The source says taking it with meals reduces bioavailability compared with fasting administration, so it recommends taking it before meals.
▸ Is acamprosate safe in kidney failure?
The source lists kidney failure as a contraindication. A healthcare professional should confirm whether it is appropriate in any kidney condition.
▸ Does acamprosate affect driving?
The source says the effect on driving and using machines is nil or negligible.
▸ Where can I check the official medicine information?
The FDA medication guide and official product leaflet are the best places to confirm approved uses, warnings, and instructions.
Safety reminder: If you have kidney disease, liver disease, depression symptoms, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, check the official leaflet and speak with a qualified healthcare professional before relying on any general information online.
Sources and reference links
The following reference resources were included in the original content and may help readers verify product information:
- FDA Medication Guides
- UNII: N4K14YGM3J
- ChemIDplus
- DrugPortal
- PubChem CID: 71158
- NCI Thesaurus: C81691
Medical disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always ask a doctor, pharmacist or qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.
Sources and verification
The following sources or official references are listed to support verification of the medicine information discussed in this article.
Medicine information can change and may vary depending on country, product formulation, patient history and professional guidance. Always check official medicine information and ask a healthcare professional for personal medical questions.