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Acamprosate Calcium
Generic Name: Acamprosate Calcium
Brand Name: Campral
When is Acamprosate Calcium used?
This medication is given to alcohol dependent patients to prevent them from drinking alcohol. Its use should be part of a complete program of treatment including both counseling and psychological support. Experts believe it works by restoring the brain’s natural balance. Before beginning use of the medication, the patient should no longer be drinking alcohol because it has not been shown to be effective in those patients who are still consuming alcohol when they begin this drug therapy.
How to use Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate Calcium is taken orally, usually three times a day or a prescribed by a physician. It may be taken with or without food, but must be taken with a full eight-ounce glass of water unless directed otherwise by your physician. You should not lie down for thirty minutes after taking this medication. In order to get the most benefit from the medicine, you must take it regularly and at the same times each day. The prescribed dosage is based on the patient’s individual medical condition and response to therapy. If you should begin drinking alcohol again, you should continue taking the medication but inform your doctor.
Side effects of Acamprosate Calcium
You may experience any number of side effects from this medication including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, stomachache, loss of appetite, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, loss of weight or weight gain, join or muscle pain, or an increase or decrease in libido or ability. If any of these side effects persist or become worse, let your doctor or pharmacist know as soon as possible.
Some more serious but unlikely side effects that might occur include mood changes (may include depression or thoughts of suicide), pains in your chest, fainting, pounding or fast heartbeat, changes in vision or hearing, and an increased thirst. . Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of these. Other rare but serious side effects that should immediately be reported to your doctor include increased/decreased urine output, seizures, constant stomach pain, black/tarry stools, and vomiting that has the appearance of coffee grounds.
Precautions when taking Acamprosate Calcium
If you are allergic to this medication or have any other allergies, be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist before you start taking it. This medicine should not be used for patients who have certain medical conditions, so be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have severe kidney disease. Since this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy, exercise caution if you engage in activities that require complete mental concentration such as driving or using machinery. Avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
If you are pregnant, use this medication only when it is absolutely necessary to do so. Discuss both the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication during your pregnancy. It is not know whether Acamprosate Calcium passes into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions while taking Acamprosate Calcium
It’s possible that your doctor or pharmacist will already be aware of any potential drug interactions that may occur while taking this drug and are monitoring you for it. Be sure you do not stop or start any medicine before you check with them first. Additionally, keep your doctor and pharmacist informed of all prescription and non-prescription products you may be using. This precaution includes herbal products because some of these products are known to interact negatively with some prescription medications.
What to do if you miss a dose
Take any missed doses as soon as you remember. If the missed dose is remembered close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose completely and resume your usual dosage schedule. Never double the dosage to make up for missed doses.
Storage of Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate Calcium should be stored at room temperature at 77 degrees F and away from light and moisture. It may be stored briefly at temperatures between 59-86 degrees, but it should not be stored in the bathroom because of the heat and moisture factors there. As with all medications, keep Acamprosate Calcium away from the reach of children and pets.
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