• Maintenance of alcohol abstinence; part of a comprehensive alcohol abstinence program.

Contraindicated in:

• Hypersensitivity
• CCr 30 mL/min.

Use Cautiously in:

• CCr 30–50 mL/min (dose ↓ necessary)
• History of depression or suicide attempt
• OB: Use during pregnancy only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential fetal risk
• Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant
• Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

CV: palpitations, peripheral edema, syncope, vasodilation.

Derm: rash.

EENT: abnormal vision.

GI: abdominal pain, anorexia, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, ↑ appetite, nausea, taste perversion, vomiting.

GU: ↓libido, erectile dysfunction.

Metab: weight gain.

MS: arthralgia, back pain, myalgia.

Neuro: tremor , abnormal thinking, anxiety, depression, drowsiness, headache.

Resp: cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, rhinitis.

Drug-Drug:

• None reported.

(Generic available)

• Delayed-release tablets: 333 mg ;

• PO (Adults): Two 333-mg tablets (666 mg/dose) 3 times daily. Lower doses may be effective in some patients.

• Interacts with and restores balance to CNS glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems.

• Continued alcohol abstinence.

Therapeutic Classification: alcohol abuse therapy adjuncts

Pharmacologic Classification: gamma aminobutyric acid gaba analogues

Absorption: 11% absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Not metabolized, excreted mainly unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 20–33 hr.

Campral

(blood levels)

• Instruct patient to take medication as directed, even if relapse occurs. Advise patient to discuss any renewed drinking with health care professional.
• May cause dizziness and changes in vision. Caution patients to avoid driving and other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
• Advise female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.
• Encourage patient to continue active counseling and support. Acamprosate helps maintain abstinence only when used as part of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment program.

a-CAM-pro-sate