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Campral Drug Center

Campral (acamprosate calcium) is used to help alcohol-dependent patients keep from drinking alcohol. It should be used as part of a complete treatment program that includes both counseling and psychological support. It is believed to work by restoring the natural balance of chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters). Campral is unlikely to be helpful to a person who has not already quit drinking or undergone detoxification. It may not be helpful to a person who is also addicted to other substances besides alcohol. Common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, stomach pain, loss of appetite, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, weight gain/loss, muscle/joint pain, change in sexual desire or decreased sexual ability. Suicidal thoughts may occur during treatment. Tell your doctor if you feel depressed or have any suicidal thoughts or actions.

The recommended dose of Campral is two 333 mg tablets (each dose should total 666 mg) taken three times daily. There may be other drugs that can interact with Campral. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Campral should be used only when prescribed during pregnancy. Drinking large amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can cause long-lasting problems (often called fetal alcohol syndrome) in your baby, such as birth defects, growth retardation, and learning disabilities. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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