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ACAMPROSATE CALCIUM

Medical Diagnosis and Drugs, Medications
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

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