Acamprosate

The drug Acamprosate is a drug that affects the nervous system and is part of the pharmacological group of neuroleptics that inhibit GABA receptors. ATC code - N07B B03.

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

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Indications Acamprosate

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

Warning! This drug does not eliminate or reduce withdrawal symptoms.

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Release form

Tablets of 333 mg (in blister pack). Other trade names: Acamprosate calcium, Acetylhomotaurine, Kampral, Aotal.

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

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Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of the drug Acamprosate is a derivative of propanesulfonic acid (3-acetamidopropane-1-sulfonic acid or N-acetylhomotaurinate calcium) - it inhibits glutamatergic neurotransmission due to its structural similarity to the endogenous neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

The pharmacodynamics of the drug have not been fully elucidated, but presumably, due to the content of Ca 2+, Acamprosate inhibits metabotropic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors of the main excitatory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system, L-glutamate.

The drug can also have a neuroprotective effect: the effect on calcium channels activates a number of enzymes (phospholipases, endonucleases, proteases) and, thus, helps protect nerve cells from excitotoxicity caused by excessive stimulation of neurotransmitters by ethanol.

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Pharmacokinetics

According to the manufacturers, after taking Acamprosate orally, the process of biotransformation of the 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 renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance below 50 ml/min).

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Dosing and administration

Acamprosate is prescribed for oral administration in a dosage based on the patient's body weight: for patients weighing over 60 kg, the daily dose is 6 tablets of 333 g - two tablets three times a day (after or during meals). For patients weighing less than 60 kg, the daily dose is 4 tablets of 333 g (2 tablets are taken in the morning, 1 tablet in the afternoon and evening). Treatment can last from three months to a year.

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Use Acamprosate during pregnancy

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

Contraindications

Acamprosate has the following contraindications for use: individual intolerance to the drug, age under 18 and over 65 years, severe renal and hepatic insufficiency, signs of depression and suicidal tendencies.

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Side effects Acamprosate

Side effects of the drug Acamprosate manifest themselves 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; flu syndrome; decreased libido, insomnia, amnesia, mental disorders, tremor, visual and taste abnormalities.

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Overdose

Overdose results in increased side effects.

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Interactions with other drugs

The official instructions note that the studies conducted did not reveal any clinically significant cases of interaction of the drug Acamprosate with other drugs.

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Storage conditions

Acamprosate should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.

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Shelf life

Shelf life: 24 months.

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