Acamprosate

Generic Name : Acamprosate

Pronunciation : a kam' pro sate

Trade Name(s): 
India- Acamprol , Acmacal.
International- Campral.

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : 
This medication is an anti-alcoholic agent, to prevent the need for alcohol in people who have stopped drinking alcohol. It reduces the desire to consume alcohol.

When it is not to be taken (Contraindications): 

Contraindicated to known hypersensitivity and history of severe kidney impairment.

Pregnancy Category :

A B C D X

Category C : Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

When it is to be taken : 
The dose depends on patient’s body weight. The recommended dose is two 333 mg tablets (each dose should total to 666 mg) taken three times daily.

How it should be taken : 
It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, three times per day, with or without meals.

Special Instruction : 
*Caution should be exercised in patients with history of kidney disease, severe allergic reactions, patient under treatment with antidepressant, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.


*Patient may develop with suicidal thoughts, watch them carefully.



*It may affect thinking ability or coordination, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.



* Avoid alcohol consumption.

Side Effects : 
Body as a Whole-

Accidental injury, weakness, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, infection and suicide attempt.
Central Nervous System-


Anxiety, depression, dizziness, dry mouth, sleeplessness, tingling, drowsiness, decreased libido (sexual pleasure), memory loss, abnormal thinking and tremor.
Heart-

Palpitations, syncope (consciousness loss), vasodilatation, high/low blood pressure, fast heart rate, bleeding, chest pain, varicose vein, sudden heart attack, inflammation of blood vessels and postural hypotension (fall in the blood pressure when the person stands up suddenly).
Gastrointestinal-


Loss of appetite, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, blood vomiting, indigestion, constipation, increased appetite, inflammation of stomach, difficulty in swallowing, eructation, gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammation of pancreas and rectal bleeding.
Endocrine System-

Decrease in thyroid hormone.
Blood -

Anemia, easy bruising, eosinophilia, increase in lymphocytes and decrease in platelets.
Metabolic -

Peripheral edema, weight gain, weight loss, hyperglycemia, increase in liver enzyme, gout, thirst, vitamin deficiency and excess bilirubin in blood.
Liver-

Liver inflammation.
Skin-

Itching, sweating, rash, pimples, hair loss, hive and dry skin.
Eye and ENT-

Abnormal vision, taste perversion, ringing in the ear, poor vision or vision abnormalities and photophobia (sensitive to light).
Genitourinary-

Impotence, irregular periods, urinary frequency, urinary tract infection, abnormal sexual function, urinary incontinence and vaginal inflammation.
Miscellaneous-

Fever, intentional overdose, malaise (discomfortness), allergic reaction, abscess, neck pain, hernia (swelling or projection of an organ), intentional injury, flu syndrome, chest pain and chills.

Other Precautions : 
*Avoid excess or less dosage.

Storage Conditions : 
Oral: Store it at room temperature (15-30°C), and in an airtight container.