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Acamprosate

  • Acamprosate is taken three times a day after food.
  • Keep all your appointments with your doctor and counsellor.

About acamprosate

Type of medicine Drug used in alcohol dependence
Used for To prevent the need for alcohol in people who have successfully overcome alcohol dependence.
Also called Campral EC
Available as Tablets

Acamprosate works by reducing the desire or craving to consume alcohol.

Before taking acamprosate

Before taking acamprosate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems

How to take acamprosate

  • Your dose will depend on your weight.
  • Acamprosate is taken three times a day after food.
  • Swallow the tablets whole- do not chew them.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep all your appointments with your doctor and counsellor.
  • Do not drink alcohol.

Can acamprosate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea, vomiting Eat little and often.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
If you are sick, drink plenty of liquid.
Itching Your pharmacist may be able to recommend a cream for short-term use.
Speak to your doctor if this becomes troublesome.

How to store acamprosate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3709		 DocRef:
dils3690		 Last Updated:
8 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
7 Feb 2009		 Version:
22






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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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