Campral (Acamprosate Calcium)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Campral Used For?
Campral is specifically designed to help people who are dependent on alcohol maintain their sobriety after they have stopped drinking.
Primary Uses
Campral is used to treat alcohol dependence. It helps people who are dependent on alcohol to abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages. Alcohol dependence is a medical illness that can and should be treated.
How It Works
Campral works by acting on certain chemical changes that have taken place in your brain over the time that you have been drinking alcohol. It is used in combination with counselling from healthcare professionals to help prevent relapse.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Campral is addictive.
How to Take Campral
Campral should be started after you have stopped drinking and after withdrawal symptoms have ended. The tablets must be swallowed whole and taken with meals.
Dosage Instructions
For adults weighing 60 kg or more: Take 2 tablets three times daily with meals. For adults weighing less than 60 kg: Take 2 tablets in the morning, 1 tablet at midday, and 1 tablet at night, all with meals. Swallow tablets whole with water – do not break, crush, or chew them as they have a special coating to prevent stomach upset. Treatment usually continues for one year.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. If you’re unsure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- diarrhea
- nausea (feeling sick)
- vomiting
- upset stomach
- itching
- skin rash
- changes in sex drive
Important Warnings
Campral is not suitable for everyone and should not be started until after alcohol withdrawal symptoms have ended.
Who Should Not Take Campral
Do not take Campral if you are allergic to acamprosate calcium or any ingredients in the tablets, have kidney disease, or have severe liver disease. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or past the expiry date.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives, any other health problems or medical conditions, or take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Campral if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety has not been established in pregnant women, and the medicine can pass into breast milk. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Campral.
Not for children or elderly: Campral is not recommended for use in children or elderly patients.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Campral and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you are taking.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you buy without prescription
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist if unsure about interactions
Alcohol & Driving
Special precautions apply regarding alcohol consumption while taking Campral.
Alcohol
You are strongly advised not to drink alcohol at all during treatment with Campral. While drinking alcohol won’t make you feel sick, even small amounts can cause your treatment to fail. It’s important to continue taking Campral even if you have a short relapse.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Campral, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (Australia: 13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Campral should be started after you have stopped drinking and after withdrawal symptoms have ended. It works by acting on chemical changes in your brain and is usually taken for one year in combination with counselling.
Yes, Campral should be taken with meals. This is part of the recommended dosing schedule for all patients.
No, there is no evidence that Campral is addictive.
Do not stop taking Campral or change the dosage without checking with your doctor first. Continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you, usually for one year.
You are advised not to drink alcohol at all during treatment with Campral. While alcohol won’t make you feel sick, even small amounts can cause your treatment to fail.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
Campral is not recommended for use in elderly patients.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.