Campral®
Brand Name: Campral ®
Active Ingredient:   acamprosate calcium
Strength(s): 333 mg
Dosage Form(s):   Tablet
Company Name:    Lipha Pharmaceuticals, Forest
Availability:         Prescription only

*Date Approved by FDA:  

July 29, 2004

*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.

What is Campral used for?  

Campral is used to help patients with alcoholism stay alcohol-free after they have stopped drinking.  Treatment with Campral should be part of a program that includes counseling and support.  Campral has not shown to help patients who are still drinking at the start of treatment.  Campral has not been studied in patients who abuse other substances in addition to alcohol.

Who should not take Campral?       

Do not take Campral if you:

  • are allergic to Campral or any of the ingredients in Campral
  • have severe kidney problems

 General Precautions with Campral:

  • Campral does not get rid of or weaken alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
  • Patients using Campral should be watched for symptoms of depression or thoughts of suicide.
  • Campral may impair judgement, thinking, or motor skills.  Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machines until you know how Campral affects you.

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

·       have or had kidney problems

·       are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

·     start drinking alcohol again

Campral has not been shown to interact with other medicines.  However, it is always important to tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. 

What are some possible side effects of Campral? (This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Campral.  Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.) 

Some common side effects with Campral include:

  • diarrhea
  • sleep problems
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • weakness

For more detailed information about Campral, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

  Link to Campral's label

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Posted: 11/16/2004