Acamprosat

The drug Acamprosat refers to drugs that affect the nervous system and is part of the pharmacological group of neuroleptics that inhibit GABA receptors. The PBX code is N07B B03.

The drug is manufactured by Lipha Pharmaceuticals (France) and Merck KGaA (Germany).

[1]

Indications Acamprosat

The drug Acamprosat is recommended for use in the complex therapy of various degrees of alcohol dependence (to support the refusal to use ethanol) and in the treatment of chronic alcoholism. The drug should be taken after a special course of detoxification of the body and at the same time psychotherapy of addictions.

Attention! This drug does not eliminate and does not reduce the withdrawal syndrome.

[2], [3], [4], [5]

Release form

Tablets of 333 mg (in a blister pack). Other trade names: Acamprosate calcium, Acetylgomotaurine, Kapral, Aotal.

Analogues: Disulfiram (Antabus, Calcium carbimide), Naltrexone, Thiram, Temposil, Homotaurine, Tramiprosate.

[6], [7], [8]

Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of the drug Acamprosate, a derivative of propanosulfonic acid (3-acetamidopropane-1-sulfonic acid or N-acetylhomotaurinate calcium), inhibits glutamatergic neurotransmission due to structural similarity with endogenous gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters.

Pharmacodynamics of the drug is not fully understood, but, presumably, due to the content of Ca 2+, Acamprosate inhibits the metabotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors of the main CNS excitatory neurotransmitter L-glutamate.

The drug can also give a neuroprotective effect: exposure to calcium channels activates a number of enzymes (phospholipase, endonuclease, protease) and, thereby, helps protect nerve cells from excitotoxicity caused by excessive stimulation of neurotransmitters by ethanol.

[9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Pharmacokinetics

As the manufacturers say, after taking Acamprosate inside the process of biotransformation drug in the liver does not occur, and bioavailability does not exceed 11%.

Acamprosate is excreted from the body by the kidneys with urine. For this reason, special attention should be paid to the administration of the drug in cases of impaired renal function (creatinine clearance below 50 ml / min.).

[14], [15], [16], [17], [18]

Dosing and administration

The drug Acamprosat is prescribed for oral administration in a dosage by body weight of patients: with a weight above 60 kg, the daily dose is 6 tablets of 333 g - two tablets three times a day (after or during meals). At a weight below 60 kg, the daily dose is 4 tablets of 333 g (2 tablets taken in the morning, day and evening - 1 tablet). Treatment can last from three months to a year.

[22], [23], [24]

Use Acamprosat during pregnancy

Use during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated (category C).

Contraindications

Acamprosat has the following contraindications for use: individual intolerance of the drug, age younger than 18 years and over 65 years, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, the presence of signs of depression and suicidal tendencies. 

[19], [20]

Side effects Acamprosat

Side effects of the drug Acamprosat are manifested in the form of symptoms such as headache, epigastric, joint and muscle pain; nausea, vomiting diarrhea, constipation, flatulence; skin rashes, peripheral edema; increased heart rate, shortness of breath, fainting; increased appetite, weight gain; influenza syndrome; decreased libido, insomnia, amnesia, mental disorders, tremors, visual anomalies and taste.

[21]

Overdose

Overdose is expressed in an increase in side effects.

[25], [26], [27]

Interactions with other drugs

In the official instruction it was noted that the conducted studies did not reveal clinically significant cases of drug interaction between Acamprosate and other drugs.

[28], [29], [30]

Storage conditions

Acamprosat should be stored in a cool dry place, away from sources of heat and light.

[31], [32],

Shelf life

Shelf life - 24 months.

[33], [34], [35]