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Acamprosate Calcium - Learn about Acamprosate Calcium Side Effects and Precautions

Acamprosate Calcium Information

The pharmacology action of Acamprosate Calcium is chronic alcohol exposure may alter normal balance between neuronal and excitation and inhibition. In vitro and in vivo animal data suggest acamprosate interacts with glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems, restoring this balance. Acamprosate Calcium is used in maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in patients with alcohol dependence who are abstinent at treatment initiation.

Interaction and Contraindication of Acamprosate Calcium

Interaction of Acamprosate Calcium - Antidepressants:  Weight gain and loss reported more frequently compared with either agent alone. Naltrexone:  Acamprosate levels may be increased; however, no dosage adjustment is recommended.
Contraindication of Acamprosate Calcium - Severe renal impairment (Ccr 30 mL/min or less); hypersensitivity to any component of product.

Side Effects of Acamprosate Calcium

Here are the list of some common side effects of Acamprosate Calcium :

• Insomnia (7%); asthenia, anxiety (6%); depression (5%); dizziness (3%); dry mouth, paresthesia (2%); headache, somnolence, decreased libido, amnesia, abnormal thinking, tremor, vasodilatation, hypertension (at least 1%).
• Pruritus (4%); sweating (2%); rash (at least 1%).
• Pharyngitis, abnormal vision, taste perversion (at least 1%)
• Accidental injury, pain (3%); abdominal pain, infection, flu syndrome, chest pain, chills, suicide attempt (at least 1%).
• Rhinitis, increased cough, dyspnea, bronchitis (at least 1%).
• Diarrhea (16%); nausea (4%); anorexia, flatulence (3%); vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, increased appetite (at least 1%).

Precaution and Warning while taking Acamprosate Calcium

The precaution and warnings of Acamprosate Calcium drug is as follows:

• Ensure patient understands that acamprosate only helps maintain abstinence from alcohol and will not work if alcohol is still being ingested when therapy is started.
• Advise patient that medication will be most effective when taken exactly as prescribed and combined with participation in a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and support.
• Advise patient to take without regard to meals but to take with food if stomach upset occurs or if taking with food helps patient remember to take each dose.
• Advise patient to continue acamprosate therapy as directed, even in the event of a relapse. Instruct patient to discuss any renewed drinking with health care provider.
• Instruct family members and/or caregiver to monitor patient for development of symptoms of depression or suicidality often associated with alcohol dependence and to immediately inform health care provider if any symptoms of depression or suicidal behaviors or thoughts are noted.
• Advise patient that drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness and coordination until tolerance is determined.
• Advise women to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Instruct patient not to take any prescription or OTC drugs, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.
• Advise patient that follow-up visits and lab tests may be necessary to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

How to store Acamprosate Calcium

• Do not administer to patient with severe renal impairment (Ccr 30 mL/min or less).
• Administer prescribed dose without regard to meals but administer with food if GI upset occurs or if administration with food increases compliance.