Company InfoNewsInvestor InformationResearchDevelopmentCareersBusiness DevelopmentResourcesDrugs databaseBack to the home pageSearch  
Drugs database
Drugs A-Z

Brands A-Z

Drugs by categories

Drugs by manufacturer

Drugs by packager

Antibiotics for sale

Online Viagra bestellen in Nederland

Home / Drugs / Starting with A / Acamprosate
 
Acamprosate
 

Acamprosate, also known by the brand name Campral™, 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.
BrandsCampral
CategoriesAlcohol Deterrents
ManufacturersForest laboratories inc
PackagersForest Pharmaceuticals
Merck KGaA
Murfreesboro Pharmaceutical Nursing Supply
Physicians Total Care Inc.
Synonyms3-(Acetylamino)propanesulphonic acid
3-Acetamido-1-propanesulfonic acid
N-Acetylhomotaurine

indication

For the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation

pharmacology

Pharmacodynamic studies have shown that acamprosate calcium reduces alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent animals in a dose-dependent manner and that this effect appears to be specific to alcohol and the mechanisms of alcohol dependence. Acamprosate calcium has negligible observable central nervous system (CNS) activity in animals outside of its effects on alcohol dependence, exhibiting no anticonvulsant, antidepressant, or anxiolytic activity.

mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of acamprosate in maintenance of alcohol abstinence is not completely understood. Chronic alcohol exposure is hypothesized to alter the normal balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition. in vitro and in vivo studies in animals have provided evidence to suggest acamprosate may interact with glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems centrally, and has led to the hypothesis that acamprosate restores this balance. It seems to inhibit NMDA receptors while activating GABA receptors.

toxicity

In all reported cases of acute overdosage with acamprosate (total reported doses of up to 56 grams of acamprosate calcium), the only symptom that could be reasonably associated with acamprosate was diarrhea.

biotransformation

Acamprosate does not undergo metabolism.

absorption

The absolute bioavailability of acamprosate after oral administration is about 11%. The food effect on absorption is not clinically significant and no adjustment of dose is necessary.

half life

20 - 33 hours

route of elimination

Following oral administration of CAMPRALĀ®, the major route of excretion is via the kidneys as acamprosate.