Acamprosate Calcium

Drug #1715

Acamprosate Calcium is an analog of GABA (Gamma amino-butyric acid), a neurotransmitter. It has chemical structure similar to GABA, acts as an agonist to GABA receptors, and reduces craving for alcohol. Acamprosate Calcium is used to prevent relapse in alcoholics who have been weaned off alcohol. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawl and maintained, even if the patient relapses, for the recommended period of 1 year.

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Primary Characteristics

It is of Combo1 origin.

Non-proprietary name: Acamprosate Calcium.

Molecular structure of Acamprosate Calcium

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution: Acamprosate Calcium has a plasma protein binding is 50%.

Elimination: it is metabolised via by liver, plasma half-life is 1.5 hours.

Indications

Acamprosate Calcium is primarily indicated in conditions like Alcohol dependence.

Contraindications

Acamprosate Calcium is contraindicated in conditions like Renal impairment, Pregnancy, Breast feeding.

Dosage

Acamprosate Calcium's dosage details are as follows:

Dose	Single Dose	Frequency	Route	Instructions
Adult Dosage
333 mg thrice day	333 mg thrice day	Every 3h	PO	This dose is for patients with renal impaired function.
666 mg	666 mg	Every 3h	PO	For 18-65 years: For patients of 60 Kg and over: 666 mg should be taken thrice a day. For patients less than 60 Kg: 666 mg at breakfast, 333 mg at midday and night.
Paediatric Dosage (20kg)
No data.
Neonatal Dosage (3kg)
No data.

Drug Interactions

Unknown1 interaction

Always consult your physician for the change of dose regimen or an alternative drug of choice that may strictly be required.

Side Effects

Acamprosate Calcium in overdosage may give rise to further complications which include Anxiety , Depression , Dizziness .

Acamprosate Calcium is known to cause more or less tolerable side effects which are usually transient. These include Abdominal pain, Bullous skin reactions, Diarrhea, Fluctuation in libido, Nausea and vomiting, Pruritus .

Warnings / Precautions

Caution should be required in continued alcohol abuse (risk of treatment failure). Treatment should be started as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawal and maintained, even if the patient relapses, for the recommended period of 1 year. Continued alcohol abuse, however negates the therapeutic benefit of acamprosate.

Available Brands

None recorded.

Storage Conditions

Acamprosate Calcium should be stored Tablet.

Drug Classification

1.4.2.9 — Alcohol intoxications