Campral

Generic Name

Acamprosate.

Brand Names

Campral.

General Information

Campral is the first new medication approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, as it is commonly referred to, in a decade. Campral can be taken with many other medications, including medications for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It is not addictive. Campral passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Campral without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Campral is a medication that helps people stay alcohol-free in combination with counseling or support groups once they have stopped drinking. Campral is thought to restore the normal brain balance, which has been disturbed in someone who is alcohol dependent. For some patients, such as those with kidney disease, the standard dose may be adjusted by a physician. Because Campral tablets are time-release, they should be swallowed whole and never crushed, cut or chewed. Treatment with campral should be initiated as soon as possible after the period of alcohol withdrawal, when the patient has achieved abstinence, and should be maintained if the patient relapses.

Campral Dosage

The dose of campral will be different for different patients.
The recommended dose of campral is two 333 mg tablets (each dose should total 666 mg) taken three times daily.
For patients with moderate renal impairment, a starting dose of one 333 mg tablet taken three times daily is recommended.
A lower dose may be effective in some patients.

Side Effects of Campral

The following side effects of Campral may includes:

Sleep problems.
Depression.
unusual bleeding or bruising.
Weakness.
An irregular heartbeat or pulse.
Nervousness.
Abnormal vision.

Warning and precautions before taking Campral

Before taking Campral, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.
Do not take Campral without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not stop taking Campral without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Do not take your medicine more often than directed and do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.

Overdosage

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Symptoms of a acamprosate overdose may include diarrhea.
Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.