Acamprosate Calcium (Acamprosate Calcium)
Overview of Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate Calcium is an analog of GABA (Gamma amino-butyric acid), a neurotransmitter. It has chemical structure similar to GABA, acts as an agonist to GABA receptors, and reduces craving for alcohol. Acamprosate Calcium is used to prevent relapse in alcoholics who have been weaned off alcohol. Treatment should be started as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawl and maintained, even if the patient relapses, for the recommended period of 1 year.
Indication of Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate Calcium is primarily indicated in conditions like Alcohol dependence.
Contraindication of Acamprosate Calcium
Acamprosate Calcium is contraindicated in conditions like Renal impairment,Pregnancy,Breast feeding.
Side Effects of Acamprosate Calcium
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Acamprosate Calcium, which give rise to further complications include Anxiety, Depression, Dizziness.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Acamprosate Calcium are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Pruritus, Nausea and vomiting, Fluctuation in libido, Bullous skin reactions.
Precautions of Acamprosate Calcium
Caution should be required in continued alcohol abuse (risk of treatment failure). Treatment should be started as soon as possible after alcohol withdrawal and maintained, even if the patient relapses, for the recommended period of 1 year. Continued alcohol abuse, however negates the therapeutic benefit of acamprosate.