Campral (Acamprosate)

Campral (Acamprosate) Medication Information

Uses

Campral is indicated for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation

Dosage

The oral tablets are available 333 mg.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Campral include:

• Asthenia
• Pain
• Anorexia
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia 

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

Dose reduction is required for patients with moderate renal impairment.

Monitor patients for depression or suicidal ideation and prompt patients, families, and caregivers to report such symptoms to the health care provider.

Interactions

Acamprosate does not affect the pharmacokinetics of alcohol. The pharmacokinetics of acamprosate are not affected by alcohol, diazepam, or disulfiram, and clinically important interactions between naltrexone and acamprosate were not observed.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. 

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF). 

Pharmacist Tips

• A lower dose is recommended for patients with moderate renal impairment.
• Families and caregivers of patients being treated with Campral should be alerted to the need to monitor patients for the emergence of symptoms of depression or suicidality, and to report such symptoms to the patient's health care provider.
• Use of Campral does not eliminate or diminish withdrawal symptoms.

Campral FAQs

Can I take this with food?

This can be taken with or without food.

Can I take this if I am pregnant?

Campral should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Can I take this while breastfeeding?

Caution should be exercised when Campral is administered to a nursing woman.

Can this be used to treat withdrawal symptoms?

Use of Campral does not eliminate or diminish withdrawal symptoms

What if I relapse?

Continue Campral therapy as directed, even in the event of relapse and discuss any renewed drinking with your physicians.

Should I still receive counseling to maintain abstinence?

Campral has been shown to help maintain abstinence only when used as a part of a treatment program that includes counseling and support.

Related Drugs

• Antabuse
• ReVia

Reference:

Campral {package insert}. St. Louis, MO: Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2012.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/021431s015lbl.pdf