Campral (acamprosate calcium) is taken by mouth, usually three times a day. Take it exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
It is intended for regular daily use to help support continued abstinence from alcohol.
Recommended Dose
The usual recommended dose of Campral is 666 mg taken three times daily.
This is typically taken as two 333 mg tablets per dose.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different dose based on your kidney function, overall health, and response to treatment.
Take With or Without Food
Campral may be taken with or without food.
If taking it with meals makes it easier to remember your doses, you may take it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.
Try to take it the same way each day.
Take Campral at the Same Times Each Day
Take each dose at about the same time every day.
A regular schedule can help maintain a consistent amount of medication in your body and make it easier to remember all three daily doses.
Swallow the Tablets Whole
Swallow Campral tablets whole with water.
Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets unless your healthcare provider or pharmacist specifically tells you it is safe to do so.
Do Not Take More Than Prescribed
Do not increase your dose, take Campral more often, or continue treatment longer than prescribed.
Taking more medication will not make it work faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Campral, take it when you remember unless it is close to the time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
If You Drink Alcohol Again
If you drink alcohol while taking Campral, do not automatically stop taking the medication.
Continue taking it as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider. They can help you decide how to continue your treatment plan and provide additional support if needed.
Campral does not cause an immediate unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed.
Kidney Problems
Tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function before starting Campral.
Acamprosate is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys. If your kidneys are not working normally, the medication can build up in your body.
Your healthcare provider may lower your dose if you have moderate kidney impairment. Campral may not be appropriate for people with severe kidney problems.
When to Start Campral
Campral is generally started after alcohol use has stopped and the initial withdrawal period has been managed.
It does not treat acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, severe anxiety, seizures, or confusion.
Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate time to begin treatment.
Take Campral Regularly
Continue taking Campral every day, even if you do not notice an immediate effect.
The medication is intended to support long-term abstinence and may work gradually over time.
Do not stop taking Campral just because you feel better or because your cravings have decreased unless your healthcare provider advises you to stop.
Use Campral With Ongoing Support
Campral works best when it is combined with a broader treatment plan.
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional support such as:
- Counseling
- Behavioral therapy
- Recovery programs
- Support groups
- Regular follow-up appointments
Medication is only one part of maintaining long-term abstinence.
Regular Follow-Up
Your healthcare provider may check how well Campral is working and whether you are experiencing side effects.
They may also review your kidney function and discuss any changes in cravings, alcohol use, or other concerns that arise during treatment.
Important Treatment Reminders
Take Campral exactly as prescribed and do not share your medication with anyone else.
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you use.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience troublesome side effects, have difficulty taking your doses regularly, or have concerns about continuing treatment.
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