Acamprosate

U.S. BRAND NAMES — Campral®
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY GABA Agonist/Glutamate Antagonist
REASONS NOT TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE If you have an allergy to acamprosate or any other part of this medicine. Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved. If you have kidney disease. If you are addicted to drugs or are going through withdrawal.
What is this medicine used for? This medicine is used to maintain an alcohol-free state.
How does it work? Acamprosate blocks the craving for alcohol.
How is it best taken? Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital) Take a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra doses. Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine? Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines. You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you. Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine? Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you. Headache. Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. Belly pain. Diarrhea. Nervous and excitable.
What should I monitor? Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same? Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly. Follow up with healthcare provider.
REASONS TO CALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911. Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life. Significant change in thinking clearly and logically. Any rash. No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine? Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
GENERAL STATEMENTS If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times. Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant). Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.