Acamprosate Calcium
Alcohol Abstinence, Alcoholism, alcohol detoxification completed + 1 more
Treatment
6 FDA approvals
7 Active Studies for Acamprosate Calcium
Treatment for
Alcohol Abstinence
What is Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate
The Generic name of this drug
Treatment Summary
Alcohol use disorder is a serious condition that affects people all over the world and causes health, safety, and economic problems. Acamprosate, also known by the brand name Campral, is a medication used to help people maintain alcohol abstinence. It works by altering the levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which helps reduce cravings for alcohol. Acamprosate was approved by the FDA in 2004 and is made by Forest Laboratories.
Campral
is the brand name
Acamprosate Calcium Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Campral
Acamprosate
2005
15
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Acamprosate, also known as Campral, is approved by the FDA for 6 uses like Alcohol Abstinence and Alcohol Dependency .
Alcohol Abstinence
Alcohol Dependency
Helps manage Alcohol Dependency
Alcohol Abstinence
alcohol detoxification completed
Alcoholism
Helps manage Alcohol Dependency
in a psychosocial support program
Effectiveness
How Acamprosate Calcium Affects Patients
Acamprosate helps restore normal brain activity and reduce alcohol intake in people with alcohol addiction. It is known to work through effects on the NMDA receptors and calcium channels. Acamprosate calcium is considered a safe and effective drug for those with alcohol dependency and increases the chance of staying sober.
How Acamprosate Calcium works in the body
We don't know exactly how acamprosate works, but it is believed to help keep people from drinking by affecting the balance between stimulation and relaxation in the brain. Animal studies suggest it interacts with different neurotransmitters, such as glutamate and GABA. It is also thought to directly bind to GABA B receptors and affect GABA A receptors.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Acamprosate Calcium is contingent upon the diagnosed disorder, including Alcoholism, Alcohol Abstinence and alcohol detoxification fulfilled. The amount of dosage is contingent on the method of administration (e.g. Tablet, delayed release or Tablet, coated - Oral) as indicated in the following table.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
alcohol detoxification completed
, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
in a psychosocial support program
, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Alcohol Abstinence
, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Alcoholism
, 333.0 mg
, Oral, Tablet, delayed release, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Acamprosate Calcium Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
known hypersensitivity to the drug or any of the ingredients
Do Not Combine
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
Do Not Combine
Common Acamprosate Calcium Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acamprosate Calcium Toxicity & Overdose Risk
The lowest toxic dose of acamprosate in male mice is 1.87g/kg. If someone takes too much, their main symptom is likely to be diarrhea. If this happens, they should receive supportive and symptomatic care.
Acamprosate Calcium Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Acamprosate Calcium?
10 active studies are being conducted to evaluate the potential of Acamprosate Calcium in facilitating Alcohol Abstinence, completing alcohol detoxification and providing psychosocial support.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Alcohol Abstinence
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
alcohol detoxification completed
0 Actively Recruiting
in a psychosocial support program
0 Actively Recruiting
Alcoholism
7 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Patient Q&A Section about acamprosate calcium
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.
What is acamprosate calcium used for?
"Acamprosate is a medication used to help people who are struggling with alcoholism abstain from drinking. The drug works by correcting imbalances in the brain's neurotransmitters. Patients should only start taking Acamprosate after they have stopped drinking alcohol completely."
Answered by AI
Does acamprosate make you drowsy?
"Acamprosate may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert. Before driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous, make sure you know how you react to acamprosate."
Answered by AI
What is the medication acamprosate used for?
"Acamprosate is only available via prescription from a doctor, and is used to help people overcome their drinking habits, rather than curing alcoholism outright. Feb 1, 2022"
Answered by AI
Is acamprosate an antidepressant?
"Acamprosate calcium has very little impact on the central nervous system in animals that don't have a dependence on alcohol. It also doesn't show any signs of being an anticonvulsant, antidepressant, or something that alleviates anxiety."
Answered by AI