Campral
Campral - General Information
Campral, also known by the brand name Campral®, is a drug used for treating alcohol dependence.
Campral is thought to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcoholism, possibly by blocking glutaminergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, while gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors are activated. Reports indicate that acamprosate only works with a combination of attending support groups and abstinence from alcohol. Certain serious side effects include allergic reactions, irregular heartbeats, and low or high blood pressure, while less serious side effects include headaches, insomnia, and impotence. Campral should not be taken by people with kidney problems or allergies to the drug.
Pharmacology of Campral
Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that acamprosate calcium reduces alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent animals in a dose-dependent manner and that this effect appears to be specific to alcohol and the mechanisms of alcohol dependence. Campral calcium has negligible observable central nervous system (CNS) activity in animals outside of its effects on alcohol dependence, exhibiting no anticonvulsant, antidepressant, or anxiolytic activity.
Campral for patients
Physicians are advised to discuss the following issues with patients for whom they prescribe CAMPRAL.
Any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that CAMPRAL therapy does not affect their ability to engage in such activities.
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy.
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they are breast-feeding.
Patients should be advised to continue CAMPRAL therapy as directed, even in the event of relapse and should be reminded to discuss any renewed drinking with their physician.
Patients should be advised that CAMPRAL has been shown to help maintain abstinence only when used as a part of a treatment program that includes counseling and support.
Campral Interactions
The concomitant intake of alcohol and Acamprosate does not affect the pharmacokinetics of either alcohol or acamprosate.
Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that administration of disulfiram or diazepam does not affect the pharmacokinetics of acamprosate. Co-administration of naltrexone with Acamprosate produced a 25% increase in AUC and a 33% increase in the Cmax of acamprosate. No adjustment of dosage is recommended in such patients.
The pharmacokinetics of naltrexone and its major metabolite 6-beta-naltrexol were unaffected following co-administration with Acamprosate.
Other concomitant therapies: In clinical trials, the safety profile in subjects treated with Acamprosate concomitantly with anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives (including benzodiazepines), or non-opioid analgesics was similar to that of subjects taking placebo with these concomitant medications. Patients taking Acamprosate concomitantly with antidepressants more commonly reported both weight gain and weight loss, compared with patients taking either medication alone.
Campral Contraindications
Acamprosate is contraindicated in patients who previously have exhibited hypersensitivity to acamprosate calcium or any of its components.
Acamprosate is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
Additional information about Campral
Campral Indication: For the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation
Mechanism Of Action: The mechanism of action of acamprosate in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. Chronic alcohol exposure is hypothesized to alter the normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. in vitro and in vivo studies in animals have provided evidence to suggest acamprosate may interact with glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems centrally, and has led to the hypothesis that acamprosate restores this balance.
Drug Interactions: Not Available
Food Interactions: Take without regard to meals.
Taking the product with food reduces its Cmax by 42% and total drug exposure by 23% (not considered significant).
Generic Name: Acamprosate
Synonyms: N-Acetylhomotaurine; 3-(Acetylamino)propanesulphonic acid; 3-Acetamido-1-propanesulfonic acid
Drug Category: Alcohol Deterrents
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Acamprosate: Campral;
Absorption: The absolute bioavailability of acamprosate after oral administration is about 11%. The food effect on absorption is not clinically significant and no adjustment of dose is necessary.
Toxicity (Overdose): In all reported cases of acute overdosage with acamprosate (total reported doses of up to 56 grams of acamprosate calcium), the only symptom that could be reasonably associated with acamprosate was diarrhea.
Protein Binding: Non detectable
Biotransformation: Acamprosate does not undergo metabolism.
Half Life: 20 - 33 hours
Dosage Forms of Campral: Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: 3-acetamidopropane-1-sulfonic acid
Chemical Formula: C5H11NO4S
Acamprosate on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acamprosate
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
