Acamprol 333 mg (Acamprosate Calcium)

Acamprol 333 mg tablets contain Acamprosate calcium, a synthetic compound with a chemical structure similar to that of the endogenous amino acid homotaurine. Homotaurine is a structural analogue of the amino acid neuromodulator taurine and the amino acid neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid.  Acampral is a prescription drug to help those people who are dependent on alcohol. Acamprosate is the third drug after Naltrexone and Disulfiram, to get FDA approval for post-withdrawal maintenance of alcohol abstinence.

What is Acamprol used for?

Acamrol 333 mg is used for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinence at treatment initiation. Treatment with Acamprol should be part of a comprehensive management program that includes psychosocial support and counseling.

How does Acamprol work?

Acamprol 333 mg contains Acamprosate as an active ingredient. Acamprosate works by modulating or normalising the alcohol-disrupted brain activity in the GABA and glutamate neurotransmitter systems. Although Acamprosate’s mode of action has not been clearly established, it may work by reducing subacute withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia.

What are the different doses of Acamprol?

Each Acamprol delayed release tablet 333 mg is available as an enteric coated, white, round-shaped tablet.

What does Acamprol contain?

Each Acamprol tablet contains Acamprosate Calcium 333 mg, equivalent to 300 mg of Acamprosate. Acamprosate (calcium acetyl homotaurine) is a new prescription drug to help people who are alcohol dependent.

Effects of alcohol on Acamprol

Drinking alcohol while consuming Acamprol 333 mg does not make you feel sick, however, do not drink alcohol at all during the treatment. Even if you drink a small quantity of alcohol while taking Acamprol, you run the risk of making your treatment fail, and you may end up drinking in large quantities.

What are the side effects of Acamprol?

Like other medicine, Acamprol 333 mg can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. The most common side effects of Acamprol include: diarrhea, itchiness, muscle weakness, intestinal cramps, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, flatulence, dizziness, and dizziness, etc.

The less common, but serious side effects of Acamprol include:

• Change in the behaviour
• Self hurting
• Suicidal risk

If you experience any of the above side effects with Acamprol tablets, STOP taking the tablets and talk to your doctor immediately.

What medications interact with Acamprol?

Acamrol 333 mg has not been shown to interfere significantly with other medicines. If you are presently taking a medicine, whether prescribed or non-prescribed, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Monitor Naltrexone closely.

It may not be the complete list of all interactions that may take place. Ask your doctor, if Acamprol may interact with other drugs that you take. Check with your doctor before you start, stop or change the dose of any drug.

When should Acamprol not be used?

You should not take Acamprol if you:

are previously demonstrated hypersensitivity to Acamprosate or to any of the other ingredients of Acamprosate 333 mg

have severe renal impairment

How should Acamprol be taken?

• Treatment with Acamprol 333 mg should be started as soon as possible after the withdrawal period and should be maintained if the patient relapses.
• The tablets should be taken with food, and swallowed whole with water. Do not chew or crush the tablet.
• Based on the tolerance and clinical response, the daily dose is fixed according to body weight.
• The suggested dose for addicts who weigh 60 kg or more is two tablets taken thrice daily, in the morning, in the afternoon and at night.
• For addicts weighing less than 60 kg, the dose is two Acamprol tablets in the morning, one at midday, and one at night.
• Do not change your treatment regimen, unless your doctor advises you to do so.
• Take the medicine regularly to get the best results. To help you remember, take the tablets at the same time each day.

How long should you take Acamprol?

The recommended period of treatment is one year. Therefore, you need to keep taking the medicine for one year as per your doctor’s prescription. Discontinuation of Acamprol tablets may be considered once a patient has attained stable abstinence from alcohol, reports reduced craving, and has established a sound plan and support for ongoing recovery.

Missed dose of Acamprol?

• Do not double the dose to make up the forgotten one.
• If you forget to take a dose take it as soon as you remember and then take the next dose at the right time.

How should Acamprol be stored?

• Keep your Acamprol 333 mg tablets at 25°C. Do not freeze Acamprol tablets.
• Keep Acamprosate 333 mg tablets out of the reach of children.
• Do not use the medicine after the expiry date, which is mentioned on the packet after ‘EXP’.