ACAMPROSATE (Campral): What is used for?

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What is Acamprosate?

Acamprosate is a drug used for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. The product ingredient is Acamprosate calcium.

The brand name of Acamprosate in the United States is Campral.

Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Neurotransmitter stimulant inhibitor of GABA transmission, antagonist of excitatory amino acids, particularly glutamate.

Therapeutic indications, uses and benefits of Acamprosate

Maintenance of abstinence in alcohol-dependent patients. It should be combined with psychotherapy.

Dosage

Oral:

• Patients > 60 kg: 666 mg/8 h.
• Patients < 60 kg: 1,332 mg in 3 doses (666 mg/morning, 333 mg/midday, 333 mg/night).
• Recommended duration 1 year.

Method of administration

Oral. Administration in conjunction with meals reduces drug bioavailability compared to fasting administration.
This may reduce its effectiveness, so it is recommended to take it before meals.

Contraindications 

Hypersensitivity to this active ingredient, with alteration of renal function (serum creatinine > 120 micromol/l), lactating women.

Warnings and precautions with Acamprosate

Severe liver failure, under 18 years of age or over 65 years of age, safety and non-established efficacy.

Monitor symptoms of depression and suicide in patients with alcohol dependence.

Liver failure

Caution. Safety and efficacy has not been established in patients with severe liver failure.

Kidney failure

Contraindicated.

Interactions 

• In clinical studies, this active ingredient has been safely administered in combination with antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, and non-opioid analgesics.
• Pharmacokinetic studies have been completed and have not revealed interactions between this active ingredient and diazepam, disulfiram, and imipramine.

Pregnancy 

There is not enough data.
Animal studies have not shown reproductive toxicity.
Human risk unknown, risk/benefit assessment.

Breastfeeding

Acamprosate is known to be excreted by milk in lactating animals. It is not known whether this medicine is excreted in breast milk.

There are no adequate data on the use of acamprosato in children. Therefore, this active ingredient should not be given to breastfeeding women.

Effects on driving ability

The influence on the ability to drive and use machines is nil or negligible.

Adverse reactions and side effects of Acamprosate

Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence; itching, maculopapular rash; frigidity, impotence; decreased libido.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ VIDEO OF ACAMPROSATE/CAMPRAL (DRUG)

Source: The content of this active ingredient has been written taking into account the clinical and molecular information of all medicines authorised and marketed in the United States under the Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII) by the Substance Registration System (SRS) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).

In order to know in detail the information authorized by the FDA for each drug, you should consult the corresponding medication guide authorized by the FDA.

Resources:

UNII: N4K14YGM3J
ChemIDplus
DrugPortal
PubChem CID: 71158
NCI Thesaurus: C81691