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INTRODUCTION
ACAMPROL 333MG contains Acamprosate which belongs to the group of medicines called Psychiatry agents. It is used to treat patients with alcohol dependence by helping them abstain from drinking alcoholic drinks. ACAMPROL 333MG together with counselling will help you not to drink alcohol.
Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition that usually includes a current or previous history of uncontrolled drinking, a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite constant problems with drinking, and an inability to control the consumption of alcohol. It is characterized by symptoms like slurred speech, ataxia (loss of control over body movements), sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, or seizures (fits).
Acamprosate acts by activating Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and exerting a controlling influence on alcohol cravings. It also stabilizes the chemical changes in the brain that have taken place during alcohol consumption.
ACAMPROL 333MG will be less effective if you keep drinking alcohol, so avoid consumption of alcohol while taking it. Before taking ACAMPROL 333MG, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart disease. ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or elderly, therefore consult your doctor before taking it.
The most common side effects of taking ACAMPROL 333MG are diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, gas, skin rash, or decreased sexual desire. Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms get worse.
USES OF ACAMPROL 333MG
- Treats alcohol dependence
HOW ACAMPROL 333MG WORKS
ACAMPROL 333MG acts by activating Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and exerting a controlling influence on alcohol cravings. It also stabilizes the chemical changes in the brain that have taken place during alcohol consumption.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take ACAMPROL 333MG as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking it unless your doctor advice you to stop.
SIDE EFFECTS OF ACAMPROL 333MG
COMMON
- diarrhoea
- stomach pain, gas
- nausea, vomiting
- spotty skin rash with itching
- decreased sexual desire
- impotence (inability to achieve erection or orgasm in men)
- frigidity (inability to achieve orgasm in women)
UNCOMMON
- increased sexual desire
RARE
Stop taking ACAMPROL 333MG and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe allergic reaction, like angio-oedema (large, raised spots on the skin with localized swelling, including the face and throat) or anaphylaxis (breathlessness with rash, swelling, wheezing and fainting)
HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea or vomiting:
Take the medicine with, or immediately followed by meals. Have light meals and eat them slowly and in a frequent manner. Avoid oily and sweet foods. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.
Diarrhoea:
Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor.
Stomach pain:
Try to rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to consume smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.
WARNING & PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Consult your doctor before taking.
BREASTFEEDING
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended in breast-feeding women. Consult your doctor before taking.
DRIVING AND USING MACHINES
ACAMPROL 333MG does not make you feel sleepy and so it might not affect your ability to drive or use machines. Consult your doctor before taking it.
ALCOHOL
ACAMPROL 333MG will be less effective if you keep drinking alcohol, so avoid consumption of alcohol while taking it.
KIDNEY
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
LIVER
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver disease. Consult your doctor before taking it.
ALLERGY
Do not take ACAMPROL 333MG if you are allergic to Acamprosate.
OTHERS
Use in paediatrics:
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor before taking.
Use in geriatrics:
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in elderly. Consult your doctor before taking.
INTERACTIONS
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking ACAMPROL 333MG, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:
- other medicines used to treat alcohol withdrawal or maintain abstinence. Ex. diazepam, valium, oxazepam
- diuretics (used to treat high blood pressure) Ex. furosemide, bumetanide
Overdose:
If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of ACAMPROL 333MG, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include diarrhoea.
SYNOPSIS
| Drug | : | Acamprosate |
| Pharmacological Category | : | Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Analogue |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Alcohol dependence |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet |
MORE INFORMATION
- Keep ACAMPROL 333MG away from children
- Store at 25°C
FAQs ABOUT ACAMPROL 333MG
Can ACAMPROL 333MG cause diarrhoea?
Yes. Diarrhoea is a common side effect of ACAMPROL 333MG. Drink lots of fluids, such as water or fruit juice to keep yourself hydrated. Do not consume any medicine on your own without consulting your doctor. If you experience persistent diarrhoea, consult your doctor.
Can ACAMPROL 333MG cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes. ACAMPROL 333MG may make it difficult for you to get an erection or orgasm. Consult your physician if you are unable to get an erection or experience any related symptoms.
Can I drink alcohol while taking ACAMPROL 333MG?
No. Do not drink alcohol during the treatment with ACAMPROL 333MG. Doing so may make your treatment less effective which may result in treatment failure and leads to increased risk of consuming alcohol again.
Can ACAMPROL 333MG be used during pregnancy?
ACAMPROL 333MG is not recommended for use in pregnancy. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, think you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, before taking ACAMPROL 333MG.
How long should I keep taking ACAMPROL 333MG?
It is recommended that you keep taking ACAMPROL 333MG for one year. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking the medicine unless your doctor advice you to stop.
What ACAMPROL 333MG is used for?
ACAMPROL 333MG helps people who are alcohol dependent to abstain from drinking alcoholic drinks which is used in combination with counselling to prevent you from consuming alcohol, which is not a cure for alcoholism, but rather will help you maintain abstinence.
How ACAMPROL 333MG works?
ACAMPROL 333MG decreases alcohol cravings and urges by activating Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) receptors (chemical messengers that block specific signals) in brain that results in controlling urges in people to drink and help to discontinue the alcohol use.
What are the side effects of ACAMPROL 333MG?
The most common side effects of taking ACAMPROL 333MG are diarrhoea, stomach pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin rash, decreased sexual desire, impotence, and or frigidity (abnormal sexual indifference). Inform your doctor if any of these symptoms get worse.
Is ACAMPROL 333MG an antidepressant?
No, ACAMPROL 333MG does not exhibit anti-convulsant, anti-depressant, or anti-anxiety activity since it has less observable central nervous system (CNS) activity outside of its effects on alcohol dependence.
What happens if you suddenly stop taking ACAMPROL 333MG?
Do not stop taking ACAMPROL 333MG on your own since the medicine might cause some side effects which may result in complications. Consult your doctor for advice before stopping the treatment with ACAMPROL 333MG.
REFERENCES
1. Joseph T. DiPiro, Robert L. Talbert, Gary C. Yee, Gary R. Matzke, Barbara G. Wells, L. Michael Posey. Substance-Related Disorders: Alcohol, Nicotine, and Caffeine. Pharmacotherapy- A Pathophysiologic Approach. Eighth edition. Page- 1132, 1133.
2. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Study of Campral (Acamprosate) for Alcohol Dependence in a Family Medicine Clinic. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov. [Revised in May 2017] [Accessed on 25th April 2022] https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00381043
3. Stephanie L. Yahn, Lucas R. Watterson, and M. Foster Olive. Safety and Efficacy of Acamprosate for the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence. NIH National Library of Medicine, National center for biotechnology information. PMC. Pubmed Central. [Revised in January 2013] [Accessed on 25th April 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3565569/
4. Merck Sante s.a.s. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in December 2020] [Accessed on 25th April 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.986.pdf
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people who drink excessively are not alcohol dependent. [Revised in November 2014] [Accessed on 25th April 2022] https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p1120-excessive-driniking.html
USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
PRODUCT DETAILS
ALTERNATE BRANDS
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