Accamprostate Calcium

CAS NO. 77337-73-6
Therapeutic Class: Anti- Alcoholism
Pharmacopoeia compliance: USP

Acamprosate is useful when used along with counseling in the treatment of alcohol dependence. Over three to twelve months it increases the number of people who do not drink at all and the number of days without alcohol. It appears to work as well as naltrexone.

Acamprosate is also known by the brand name Campra is a drug used for treating alcohol dependence. Acamprosate is thought to stabilize the chemical balance in the brain that would otherwise be disrupted by alcoholism, possibly by blocking glutaminergic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, while gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors are activated. Reports indicate that acamprosate only works with a combination of attending support groups and abstinence from alcohol. Certain serious side effects include allergic reactions, irregular heartbeats, and low or high blood pressure, while less serious side effects include headaches, insomnia and impotence. Acamprosate should not be taken by people with kidney problems or allergies to the drug.