Campral affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in a person who is addicted to alcohol. Acamprosate works by restoring this chemical balance in the brain in an alcohol-dependent person who has recently quit drinking.

Campral is used to help maintain sobriety in alcohol-dependent adults who no longer drink alcohol. This medicine is used with behavioral therapy or counseling support to help prevent an urge to drink again. Campral will not treat or prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Campral may not be as effective if you have not gone through detox and stopped drinking alcohol completely. This medicine is also unlikely to be effective in people who abuse drugs or other substances.

You should not use Campral if you have severe kidney disease.

Campral can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Take Campral for the full prescribed length of time, even if you relapse and drink alcohol. While you are taking this medicine, tell your doctor about any alcoholic drinks you consume, no matter how many.

Take Campral exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

Start taking Campral as soon as possible after you have quit drinking.

May be taken with or without food. If you routinely eat 3 meals daily, take the medicine at each meal.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.

Keep taking Campral as directed even if you relapse and drink alcohol. Tell your doctor about any alcohol you consume, no matter how much.

Your treatment will also include counseling support and continued abstinence from alcohol.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Usual Adult Dose for Alcohol Dependence:

666 mg orally 3 times a day

Comments:
-Doses should be taken with meals in patients who regularly eat 3 meals a day.
-Treatment should begin as soon as possible after the withdrawal period (when the patient achieves abstinence) and should be maintained if the patient relapses.
-This drug should be used as part of a comprehensive psychosocial treatment program.
-Lower doses may be effective in some patients.

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

You should not use Campral if you are allergic to acamprosate, or if you have severe kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Campral. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Campral: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe anxiety or depression;

• mood or behavior changes;

• thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

• severe diarrhea; or

• kidney problems - swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath.

Common Campral side effects may include:

• anxiety, depressed mood;

• dizziness;

• sleep problems;

• pain, weakness;

• itching, sweating, tingling;

• nausea, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite; or

• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.