Acamptas 333 Mg Tablet

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET

Name

• Brand Name: ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Acamprosate Calcium

Composition

Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 333 mg of Acamprosate Calcium, which is equivalent to 300 mg of acamprosate. Inactive ingredients typically include glycerol dibehenate, microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, colloidal anhydrous silica, and magnesium stearate. The coating may contain hypromellose, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer, talc, and propylene glycol.

Uses

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment of alcohol dependence. It helps patients who have already stopped drinking alcoholic beverages to maintain abstinence by reducing the craving and urge to consume alcohol. This medicine works by restoring the chemical balance in the brain that may have been altered due to prolonged alcohol consumption. It is intended to be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counselling and social support. It does not treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms or prevent the harmful effects of continued alcohol abuse.

Dosage and Administration

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET should be taken with meals, exactly as prescribed by a doctor.

• For individuals weighing 60 kg or more, the recommended dose is 6 tablets per day, typically divided as 2 tablets in the morning, 2 tablets at noon, and 2 tablets in the evening.
• For individuals weighing less than 60 kg, the recommended dose is 4 tablets per day, usually divided as 2 tablets in the morning, 1 at noon, and 1 in the evening. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed, as this may damage the gastro-resistant coating. The recommended duration of treatment is usually one year.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea, stomach pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting
• Skin rash, itching
• Decreased sexual desire (libido), impotence, frigidity
• Headache, back pain, dry mouth
• Muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances
• Agitation, anxiety
• Vision disturbances
• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects:

• Severe allergic reactions such as angio-oedema (localized swelling, including face and throat) or anaphylaxis (breathlessness with rash, swelling, wheezing, and fainting).
• Changes in mood and behavior, including suicidal thinking and behavior.

Precautions

• Alcohol Consumption: ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET is only effective after you have completely stopped drinking alcohol and should not be used while still consuming alcohol.
• Kidney Disease: Not recommended for use in patients with severe kidney disease; use with caution in other kidney disease patients.
• Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Children and Elderly: Not recommended for patients younger than 18 years or older than 65 years.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should avoid driving or operating machines if they experience such symptoms.
• Mental Health: Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unusual changes in mood, develop new or worsening depression, or experience suicidal thoughts or behavior.
• Counseling: It is crucial to use this medication in conjunction with regular counselling sessions and social support for optimal results.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Some formulations do not require any special storage conditions. Do not use the medicine past its expiry date.

Here are some frequently asked questions about ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET:

What is ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET used for?

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET is used to treat alcohol dependence, specifically to help maintain abstinence in people who have completely stopped drinking alcohol. It is used alongside behavioral therapy and social support to prevent the urge to drink again. However, it does not prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

How does ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET work?

This medicine works by restoring the balance of chemicals in your brain that may have been altered due to prolonged alcohol consumption. It specifically reduces excessive activity of glutamate, a brain chemical linked to cravings, and enhances the effects of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter, to help stabilize brain function.

What is the usual dosage for ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET?

For adults weighing 60 kg or more, the recommended dose is typically two tablets (666 mg per dose) taken three times a day with meals (a total of 6 tablets daily). If you weigh less than 60 kg, the recommended dose is four tablets a day, divided as two in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening with meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

What are the possible side effects of ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, excessive gas, headache, and decreased sexual desire. Some individuals may also experience back pain, muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, agitation, anxiety, vision disturbances, skin itching, or drowsiness. In rare cases, more serious side effects like sudden mood changes, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior can occur.

Is ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby, and there is limited safety data in humans. For breastfeeding mothers, it is advised not to take this medicine because it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Acamprosate has minimal drug interactions compared to some other anti-craving medications and can be safely administered with antidepressants, anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives, and non-opioid analgesics. No significant interactions have been shown with disulfiram, oxazepam, tetrabamate, meprobamate, diazepam, or imipramine. However, always inform your doctor about all your current medications to avoid undesired effects.

What precautions should be taken while using ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET?

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET should only be used after you have completely stopped drinking alcohol, as its effectiveness is reduced if alcohol consumption continues. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 or over 65 years of age. Exercise caution if you have kidney or liver disease, and inform your doctor about any such conditions. If you experience side effects like dizziness, blurred vision, or drowsiness, avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery. It is important to continue with counseling and social support while taking this medication.

What happens if a dose of ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET be stored?

ACAMPTAS 333 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. It should be kept out of the sight and reach of children. The medicine does not require any special storage conditions, typically below 25°C or 30°C. Do not use the medicine after its expiry date.