Campral
® (
acamprosate calcium) is a prescription medication approved to treat alcohol dependence. It is intended for use after a person has stopped drinking (usually after detoxification) and should be used in combination with a comprehensive alcohol treatment program that includes counseling and group support programs.
Campral is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
It is not entirely clear how Campral works to encourage abstinence from alcohol. The drug does have certain effects on two different brain chemicals: glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Because long-term alcohol use can disrupt the balance of brain chemicals, Campral may work by helping to return the disrupted brain chemicals back to normal levels. The drug does not, however, prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The effects of Campral in the brain seem to be limited to reducing alcohol dependence; it does not appear to have any anti-
anxiety, antidepressant, or anti-
seizure properties.
Campral does not work like most other alcohol dependence medications. It will not cause any unpleasant reactions when combined with alcohol, and it is not a habit-forming drug.
Many studies have shown that Campral is effective at helping people remain alcohol-free after they have been through detoxification ("detox"). These studies showed that people who took Campral were more likely to stay alcohol-free, compared to people who took a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). The people in the Campral and the placebo groups were in also counseling.
In addition, these studies did not show that Campral was effective for people who had not gone through detox and who were not required to be alcohol-free at the start of treatment.
When and How to Take Campral
General considerations for when and how to take Campral include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of a delayed-release tablet. It is taken by mouth, usually three times a day.
- You can take Campral with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with a little food. It may help to take Campral with meals so that you remember to take it.
- Do not break, cut, or chew the tablets, as this will destroy the delayed-release coating on them.
- Make sure to take Campral at the same times each day to maintain an even level n your blood.
- It can take as long as five days for an effective and steady level of Campral to accumulate in the body. Don't give up too early.
- If you have a relapse and start drinking again, do not stop taking Campral unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Campral will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Campral
The dose of Campral that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your kidneys function
- How you respond to Campral.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, Campral can cause side effects. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of Campral include but are not limited to:
- Diarrhea
- Itching
- Nausea
- A feeling of general weakness.
(Click Campral Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Campral
Unlike other alcohol dependence medications, Campral is not likely to interact with other medicines
(see Campral Drug Interactions).
Campral: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Campral if you have:
- Depression
- A history of suicidal behavior
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Campral?
It is not known what exactly to expect from an overdose of Campral. In reported cases, even very high doses did not cause serious problems. However, if you happen to overdose on Campral, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Campral Be Stored?
Campral tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep Campral and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Campral?
If you forget to take a dose of Campral, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, simply skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Campral tablets are available in one strength -- Campral 333 mg.
At this time, Campral is not available in generic form
(see Generic Campral).
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