Type of medicine: treatment for alcohol dependence
Generic and brand names: acamprosate calcium, oral; Campral
This medicine is taken by mouth to help people with alcoholism stay alcohol-free after they have stopped drinking. It is not a cure and does not prevent withdrawal symptoms. It should be used along with counseling and support groups.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine is taken after you have stopped drinking alcohol. Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Keep taking this medicine even if you start drinking alcohol again. Tell your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol while using this medicine.
Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Swallow them whole. You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach and help you remember to take it.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: diarrhea.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you are depressed or have thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
This medicine may make you drowsy or affect your ability to think clearly. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Depression, suicidal thoughts, unusual mood or behavior changes, severe nervousness or weakness, severe dizziness or fainting, chest pain, irregular or fast heartbeat, vision problems, severe confusion, decreased urinating; unexplained swelling in hands, ankles, or feet; numbness or tingling.
Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, itching, nervousness, headache, stomach or back pain, change in sexual desire or ability, joint or muscle pain, dry mouth, sweating, runny or stuff nose, change in sense of taste, memory problems.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
