Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
tablet
- 333mg
Alcoholism
Indicated for maintenance of alcohol abstinence in patients who are abstinent at treatment initiation
666 mg PO TID
Renal Impairment
CrCl 30-50 mL/min: 333 mg PO TID
CrCl <30 mL/min: Do not administer
Fragile X Syndrome (Orphan)
Orphan designation for treatment of fragile X syndrome
Orphan sponsor
- Confluence Pharmaceuticals, LLC; Box 528, 351 West 10th Street; Indianapolis, IN 46202
Safety and efficacy have not been established
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results

Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor

Contraindicated (0)
Serious - Use Alternative (0)
Monitor Closely (1)
- naltrexone
naltrexone increases levels of acamprosate by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. No dosage adjustment is needed.
Minor (0)
Adverse Effects
>10%
Diarrhea (16%)
1-10%
Accidental injury (3%)
Anorexia (3%)
Anxiety (6%)
Asthenia (6%)
Depression (5%)
Dizziness (3%)
Dry mouth (2%)
Flatulence (3%)
Insomnia (7%)
Nausea (4%)
Pain (3%)
Paresthesia (2%)
Pruritus (4%)
Sweating (2%)
Frequency Not Defined
Hypertension
Chest-pain
Edema
Syncope
Vasodilation
Abnormal vision
Cough
Pharyngitis
Dyspnea
Rhinitis
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Severe renal impairment
Cautions
Does not diminish withdrawal symptoms
May impair ability to operate heavy machinery or drive
Efficacy not established in promoting abstinence in non-abstinent patients
Check for suicidal tendencies
Use as part of a conprehensive to treat alcohol dependence
Possibility of acute renal failure (ARF)
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Not fully understood; may act by interacting with glutamate & GABA neurotransmitter systems
Does not cause alcohol aversion or a disulfiram-like reaction on ethanol ingestion
Pharmacokinetics
Protein Bound: Negligible
Vd: 1 L/kg
Peak PlasmaTime: 3-8 hr
Concentration: 350 ng/mL for a dose of 666 mg TID
Bioavailability: 11%, decreased by food
Metabolism: None
Excretion: Urine
Half-life: 20-33 hr
Images
BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
---|---|---|---|
acamprosate oral - | 333 mg tablet | ![]() | |
acamprosate oral - | 333 mg tablet | ![]() | |
acamprosate oral - | 333 mg tablet | ![]() | |
acamprosate oral - | 333 mg tablet | ![]() |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
acamprosate oral
ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM DELAYED-RELEASE - ORAL
(a-KAM-proe-sate KAL-see-um)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Campral
USES: This medication is used along with counseling and support to help people who are alcohol dependent not drink alcohol. Acamprosate works by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters).Before starting this medication, you should no longer be drinking alcohol. Acamprosate has not been shown to work well if you are still drinking alcohol when you start taking it.
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking acamprosate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually three times a day. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.If you begin drinking alcohol again, continue to take this medication and tell your doctor promptly.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, tiredness, weight gain/loss, muscle/joint pain, change in sexual desire or decreased sexual ability may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (including depression, thoughts of suicide), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, vision/hearing changes, increased thirst.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking acamprosate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe diarrhea that doesn't stop.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab tests (such as kidney function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Go to all of your counseling and support group meetings. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised October 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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