Drug Notes

Acamprosate (By mouth)

Acamprosate (a-KAM-proe-sate)

Helps decrease the desire to drink alcohol.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Coated Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• Extended-release tablet: Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you start drinking alcohol again while you are taking this medicine. The medicine will not prevent withdrawal symptoms if you start and stop drinking again.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or trouble breathing
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your face, hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Unusual behavior, anxiety, depression, or thoughts of hurting yourself

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Change in your vision or taste
• Headache, back pain, or dry mouth
• Joint or muscle pain, skin rash or itching
• Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, mild stomach pain, increase in appetite
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, chest, or arms

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017