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NERVOUS SYSTEM › OTHER NERVOUS SYSTEM DRUGS › DRUGS USED IN ADDICTIVE DISORDERS › Drugs used in alcohol dependence
acamprosate
N07BB03
Forms & Strengths
- Delayed-release tablets: 333 mg
Adult Dosing
- 666 mg (two 333 mg tablets) orally three times daily
- Initiate as soon as possible after abstinence is achieved
- Maintain treatment if relapse occurs, and re-evaluate overall treatment plan
- Renal adjustment (CrCl 30-50 mL/min): 333 mg orally three times daily
- Contraindicated if CrCl < 30 mL/min
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
Indications
- Maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation
Mechanism of Action
- Neuromodulatory effects on glutamate neurotransmission
- Antagonist at the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor
- Agonist at gamma-aminobutyric acid type B (GABA-B) receptors
- Restores the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition disrupted by chronic alcohol use
Contraindications
- Severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min)
- Known hypersensitivity to acamprosate calcium or any excipients
Adverse Reactions
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Pruritus
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Asthenia
Drug Interactions
- No significant pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions identified
- Co-administration with alcohol does not alter pharmacokinetics of either acamprosate or alcohol
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use