ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM
| ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM (a-cam-pro'sate) Campral Classifications: substance abuse deterrent; Therapeutic:substance abuse inhibitor Pregnancy Category: C |
Availability
333 mg delayed-release tablets
Action
May interact with CNS glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems and help restore normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. Acamprosate is a neurotransmitter analog.
Therapeutic Effect
Reduces craving for alcohol intake due to chronic use, but does not cause alcohol aversion or a disulfiram-like reaction as a result of ethanol ingestion.
Uses
Maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcoholism.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to acamprosate calcium or any of its components; suicidal ideation; pregnancy (category C). Safety and efficacy in patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr <30 mL/min) have not been established.
Cautious Use
Moderate renal impairment; depression; lactation. Safety and efficacy of acamprosate have not been established in adolescents or children <18 y.
Route & Dosage
| Maintenance of Alcohol Abstinence Adult: PO 666 mg t.i.d. Renal Impairment Adult: PO Clcr 30–50 mL/min: 333 mg t.i.d.; <30 mL/min: do not use |
Administration
Oral- Ensure that the drug is not chewed or crushed. It must be swallowed whole.
- Store at 15°–30° C (59°–86° F).
Adverse Effects (≥1%)
Body as a Whole: Flu syndrome, chills. CNS: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, asthenia, dizziness, paresthesia, headache, somnolence, decreased libido, amnesia, abnormal thinking, tremor. CV: Palpitation, syncope. GI: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, flatulence, dry mouth, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, increased appetite. Metabolic: Peripheral edema, weight gain. Musculoskeletal: Musculoskeletal pain. Respiratory: Rhinitis, cough, dyspnea, pharyngitis, bronchitis. Skin: Pruritus, diaphoresis, rash. Special Senses: Abnormal vision, taste perversion. Urogenital: Impotence.Interactions
Drug: None reported.Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: 11% bioavailability. Metabolism: Not metabolized. Elimination: Renal. Half-Life: 20–33 h.Nursing Implications
Assessment & Drug Effects
- Monitor for S&S depression or suicidal thinking.
- Monitor for dizziness or impaired judgment, thinking, and motor skills; take appropriate protective measures.
Patient & Family Education
- Report any alcohol consumption while taking acamprosate.
- Report promptly any of the following: unusual anxiousness or nervousness; depression or suicidal thoughts; burning or tingling sensations in arms, legs, hands, or feet; chest pains or palpitations; difficulty urinating.
- Do not drive or engage in other hazardous activities until reaction to the drug is known.
Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; 
Canadian drug name; 
Prototype drug