Acamprosate: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Acamprosate is a medicine used in alcohol dependence care. Its main use is helping maintain abstinence from alcohol after a person has stopped drinking and achieved abstinence before treatment begins.

It is used alongside psychosocial support, and requires a prescription in the United Kingdom. A generic version has been available since 2013-07-16.

Acamprosate is indicated for maintaining abstinence from alcohol in people with alcohol dependence who are abstinent when treatment starts. It forms part of a comprehensive management programme that includes psychosocial support. The medicine does not replace support for recovery.

Its effectiveness has not been demonstrated in people who have not undergone detoxification and achieved abstinence before treatment begins. Its effectiveness in people using multiple substances has not been adequately assessed. Acamprosate does not eliminate or reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, so withdrawal still needs appropriate clinical care.

Acamprosate acts on chemical signalling in the brain that can become unbalanced after long-term alcohol use. It is thought to reduce some of the excitatory activity linked with alcohol dependence and support a more stable balance between excitatory and calming signals. This may help with maintaining abstinence after alcohol withdrawal and detoxification.

Acamprosate does not produce an alcohol-like effect and does not treat acute withdrawal symptoms. It does not affect the pharmacokinetics of alcohol. It is used as part of a wider recovery programme that includes psychosocial support.

Acamprosate calcium is supplied as delayed-release oral tablets. The label lists 333 mg tablets. The usual starting dose is 666 mg, given as two 333 mg tablets three times daily.

The label lists that a lower dose may be effective in some patients. The label lists that dosing may be done without regard to meals, although dosing with meals was used during clinical trials and is suggested for patients who regularly eat three meals daily. The usual starting dose is one 333 mg tablet three times daily for patients with moderate renal impairment, defined in the label as creatinine clearance of 30 to 50 mL/min.

The label lists that treatment should begin as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawal, once abstinence has been achieved, and should continue if relapse occurs. The label lists that treatment is part of a comprehensive psychosocial programme.

A missed dose should not usually be replaced by taking extra medicine. The next dose should follow the prescribed schedule, unless a doctor or pharmacist gives different advice.

Acamprosate treatment is intended to support continued abstinence as part of a psychosocial programme. A relapse should be discussed with the treatment team, because the label lists that treatment may be maintained if relapse occurs.

Acamprosate should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal studies showed developmental effects, including malformations in rats and increased still-born fetuses in mice. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

The potential effect on the duration of labour and delivery is unknown. Acamprosate was excreted in the milk of lactating rats, but it is not known whether it is excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when given to a nursing woman.

Store at 20°C to 25°C. Excursions are permitted from 15°C to 30°C. Keep the tablets in their packaging, away from excess heat and moisture, to maintain quality and as directed on the label.